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Gaming means long hours at the computer. Self absorbent and an obsessive hobby, incorrect habits and posture are detrimental to health. Problems like musculoskeletal injuries, eyestrain, and disabilities of the hands and wrist like, RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury are common.
Bad posture causes: pain, stiffness of joints, weakness, bad circulation, as well as swelling.
Ensure that:
• The desk is designed especially for computers.
• While seated, the feet are flat on the floor; arms and thighs are parallel to the ground; back is straight; and the arms don't have to stretch out to reach the keyboard or mouse.
• The keyboard height is such that the elbows are parallel to the ground and level with the keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard is recommended.
• The spine maintains its ‘S' curve when seated, so use an ergonomic chair and if required, a footstool.
• The mouse is placed at the same height as the keyboard. Use your whole arm not just the wrist when operating the mouse.
• Typing is done with light fingers. The wrists should be flat and not angled to the left or right. To avoid nerve compression the elbow must not be angled more than 90 degrees.
• The arms are raised off the keyboard as often as possible.
• Tasks are alternated so that you are not typing or clicking the mouse continuously.
Another factor is eye strain. Extended computer use can cause: blurred vision, focusing difficulties, as well as headaches.
Reduce risk by ensuring that:
• The light source is angled from the side. The primary light source must not shine on the face or directly on the screen. Lighting should have a 10:3 ratio screen characters should be 10X brighter than background and room lights should be 3X the screen brightness. Use a shaded copy lamp to avoid screen reflections.
• Reflections and glare are eliminated by using an antiglare screen and by tilting the monitor slightly.
• The monitor must be centered so that neither the body nor neck is twisted when viewing the screen.
• The screen is of good quality. The text should be sharp and nor distorted. Change the resolution to a comfortable font size.
• The monitor is a suitable distance away.
• The screen is at eye level or lower.
• Brightness and contrast are reduced to suitable levels.
It is important to:
• Break concentration by looking away from the monitor at far away objects at least once every 15-20 minutes.
• Pause in between to blink your eyes rapidly. This will lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness.
• Schedule regular eye checks.
• Monitor blurred vision, headaches, red eyes, or watering eyes.
• Splash water and wash your eyes at least 3-4 times a day.
• It is advisable to take frequent breaks, either do stretches or take a short walk once every hour for 10-15 minutes.
• Use a well ventilated room.
• Reduce emission in laser printers, photocopiers, and scanners.
Problems can be eliminated and the risk reduced by inculcating good posture and working habits.
When you are using social networking sites online you will definitely need to exercise extra caution. Remember, anybody can join these sites and start talking with anybody else who is participating. This means that these people can make up fake profiles, use fake information, and put up pictures of people that are not even them. This can be very deceptive, and quite dangerous if you fall into one of these traps.
The best way to avoid problems when using sites like this is to make sure you are aware of what is going on around you. Keep track of who is messaging you, and what they are saying. Also, while you are keeping this log, make sure that you know exactly which people keep asking to meet you in person. Even though this may not mean anything, if somebody wants to meet you in person, you should be very skeptical.
Overall, social networking sites definitely have their place on the internet. But just like anything else, there are risks and dangers involved. By being aware of what is going on, and keeping your eyes opened, you will be able to avoid any problems that may arise.
When you are using social networking sites you never want to give out your contact information. By doing this, you are allowing anybody in the world to get in touch with you; and depending on what information you give out, they can get in touch with you in more ways than one.
A lot of people that use these sites freely give out contact information in their profile, or when other members ask for it. First off, you should never put your information in your profile. By doing this, you are allowing anybody to have access to it; even people that you have never spoken to in the past. If you must give out your information, you will want to make sure that you give it to somebody that you have become comfortable with. And even at that point, you will only want to give out your email address.
By making the mistake of giving out your phone number and address, you are putting yourself at risk. If somebody has your address, they can find you without any problems at all. In addition, with an address, a phone number is not hard to find either.
Giving out your contact information is not a smart idea unless you are 100% positive about the person you are dealing with. There are reasons and situations where you can give out your contact information, but just make sure that your information is going to the right people. By exercising your best judgment, you should be able to avoid any problems in this area.