Now-a-days, a majority of our waking hours take place in front of a computer. No matter the industry, a huge portion of the working force will find that they spend most of their office hours staring at a monitor. This sedentary lifestyle has led to numerous side effects that were previously unpredictable, which often have health implications. Today, Testbirds takes a look at three of the most common side effects as well as provides some tips that can lower the risk of computer-related injuries.

Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a form of eye strain that can be developed by staring at a computer monitor for prolonged periods of time. The term encompasses a range of eye problems and pain that computer users may encounter. Some of the symptoms of CTS include: pain around eyes, blurred and/or double vision, dry and red eyes, eye irritation, headaches and neck or back pain.

If these symptoms are left untreated they can not only have an effect on your performance at work, but also worsen pre-existing eye problems such as astigmatism. However, there are a variety of habitual changes one can employ in order to alleviate eye strain or even prevent it completely: 

• Ensuring that the glare on your monitor is kept to a minimum. This can be accomplished by working in dim surroundings or even putting a glare filter over your monitor.
• Customizing your monitor to reduce brightness or contrast depending on your vision.
• Research shows that the optimal position for your computer monitor is slightly below eye level and around fifty to seventy centimeters away from your face.
• Taking a break from staring at the screen every twenty minutes.

Bad Posture
Your posture has a lot of control on your well-being. Humans weren’t built to remain in a seated position for most of their waking hours. Injuries due to bad posture are extremely common and they include back pain, neck pain, headaches as well as more serious conditions such as a herniated disc. Computer related posture issues can be alleviated by:

• Using an adjustable or standing desk.
• Ensuring your elbows rest comfortable at your sides while using your keyboard and mouse.
• Using an ergonomic chair designed to keep your spine in its natural position.
• Taking frequent short breaks or walks.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common injury to the arm from improper computer use. The condition arises when the median nerve is compressed through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. Common symptoms of CTS include pain, numbness and tingling in one or both hands. As the medical condition worsens pain may extend all the way up to the shoulder and is often described as intense. Methods in which you can prevent or alleviate the syndrome are by:

• Keeping your mouse and keyboard close.
• Typing and holding the mouse gently.
• Removing your hands from the mouse and keyboard when not using them.
• Taking breaks to stretch your wrists and elbows by encouraging them to move in their natural ranges of motion.

While computers have become a staple of our day to day lives, improper use can lead to a number of health related issues and should be taken seriously. By incorporating the aforementioned habitual changes you can not only increase your performance at work by minimizing the distractions from health related issues but also ensure your well-being.

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As a writer, Sahil spends his free time creating fiction in a number of different forms. Drawing upon that same creativity, he strives to make Testbirds synonymous with crowdtesting in the UK market.

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Testbirds specialises in the testing of software such as apps, websites and Internet of Things applications by using innovative technologies and solutions. Under the slogan, “Testing Reality”, the company offers various testing methods to its clients looking to optimise the user-friendliness and functionality of their digital products. With over 250,000 registered testers located in 193 countries, Testbirds is one of the world’s leading crowdtesting providers. In addition, the IT service provider utilises cloud based technologies to support customers in the optimisation of their digital products. The combination of the two testing methods delivers a unique and extensive portfolio that takes the quality of software to the next level. Testbirds was founded in 2011 by Philipp Benkler, Georg Hansbauer and Markus Steinhauser. Today, the company has over 100 employees. Other than its headquarters in Munich, there are now offices in Amsterdam, London and Stockholm, franchises in Hungary and Russia and sales partners in Italy.

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