-- Aigle Magazine Vol. 6 June 2011
Office seems to be the best place to work, especially for those in tall building with cool A/C all day long, where you don't have to go out and get the hot gooey sweat outside in the real world. Do you really think that you are safe working all day long in your cubicle with a stiff chair and a computer staring at your face?
Office Syndrome, also known as sick office syndrome or sick building syndrome, is one type of decease that deals with the environment. It is the top most disorder for the white collars. The symptoms include: sensory irritation of the eyes, throat, and skin; non-specific hypersensitivity reactions; etc. At the beginning, it appears that you are allergic to something but can't find the cause. Finally, you may be suffering some chronic diseases.
So what causes all these health risks? First of all, office buildings' windows are permanently sealed; therefore ventilation inside the building is inadequate, leading to build-up of molds, bacteria, pollen, viruses other biological contaminants.
Secondly, some other furniture is designed to look good but is not suitable for your body. So sitting on it for many hours can cause aches and pains. It's not just one day that you have to sit on it. Most people spend at least 40 hours per week and 40 something weeks per year. Imagine how that accumulative aches and pains can cause you in the long run.
Thirdly, office equipment, especially computer, is so convenient, so hi-tech and yet can be harmful to your eyes, elbow, wrists, and fingers. Computer is not the only office equipment that can harm you. Whiteboard marker, Xerox machine, white out, etc. can also be hazardous to your health in the long run, cumulatively.
So what should you do? Make sure that your office is well-ventilated; air-con should be cleaned as many time as needed; and dust should be removed from all electrical devices. Next, your desk and chair should be adjusted to fit your body posture. If you are computer-bound, look up every 20 minutes and focus on something in the distance for a few seconds. If necessary, use some eye-drops, it will take some of the strain off your eyes.
If you can't do anything about the environment in which you work, you yourself can take control and precautions to avoid the health hazards that you may face - EXERCISE to keep fit - that's the key solution to avoid Office Syndrome!
Personal Healthy Living Blog where I share some interesting stories, and articles I've read and find it enjoyable and well worth reading!