Laptops can ruin your health

Laptops are becoming increasingly popular and cheaper by the day, but don't think this doesn't come at a price. Studies show that with the boom in sales of laptops, there has been an increase in number of people being affected by back and muscle problems.

What makes the laptop more dangerous than the computer, is that many people maintain poor posture while using a laptop. Professionals tend to look down at their laptops and this done for many hours together can damage the neck muscles, say doctors. "It is advisable to use the laptop kept on a table and make sure you take a break every half an hour and walk around,".

The symptoms of computer related ailments are aching fingers or hands, paining shoulders and an aching neck or back. "If you use the mouse or keypad in a laptop a lot, you can develop what is called radiating pain in your hands. If you get a strain in your neck or shoulders, your muscles will get weak and you will constantly feel discomfort,".

Another problem related to using laptops is that you strain your shoulder and back while carrying the laptop from place to place.

"I have suffered from this problem myself," admits Subhash Kaul, head neurophysician, NIMS. He also reveals that he sees at least per day one patient complaining of this problem and most of them work in Hi Tech City. "Posture related problems because of being on the computer too long are extremely common," he says. Pushpanjali Rao who works in TCS says she has experienced pain in her hands.

"Another dangerous sign is when your hand starts hurting while using the mouse. It has been found that if the wrist is bent constantly to use the mouse, it puts pressure on the nerves and can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which can cause permanent damage to the hand. It is recommended that you take a break every 15 minutes to prevent this,".

Visit www.hp.com/ergo to find out what precautions to take while using laptops. "Here you will find the wrist angle, proper back and neck positions etc," .
Source: DC