Statistically, most of use work for $25 000 which translates to .24 an hour after we pay for day care, commuting costs, taxes, clothing, lunches, grooming, and equipment. In many cases, a work at home business can generate more revenue than an average office job, by earning only $90 a week.

Doctors and professionals alike are quick to explain how this can benefit our health. With 80% of all American diseases caused by stress, brining home more money, reducing time spent submerged in the rush hour, or dealing with office politics, is a step in the ?healthy direction.?

It is also common knowledge that working at home can reduce the chances of contracting Influenza, Rheumatic fever, Epstein-Barr Viral Syntrome, Rubela, Varicella (chicken pox), Paravirus, and Osteomyelitis. The US looses billions of work hours a year from these diseases.

What they do not tell us is how working at home can decrease our overall health and even causes serious problems.

Back Problems

Chronic back pain is one of the most debilitating, and most common problems. It is usually suffered by people who spend more than 5 hours a day on a computer, have a manger's chair instead of a secretary's chair, and do not use an ergonomic keyboard. Sitting slumped in a chair can cause long term problems, because It slows the flow of blood through the spine. Remarkably, stress can also slow the flow of blood through muscles and the spine.

Stress can tighten the muscles in the back. To see if this is your problem then take your fingers and press firmly on the back of your skull. You will find 2 or 3 places where a firm push will cause serious pain. Following the ?pain spot? down will reveal a thread or rope like muscle.

The cure is easy. Get up and walk around for two or three minutes every hour. Take a lunch break away from the computer. Do not work longer than 5 hours without a break. And, eat well.

Food

The computer can leave us feeling stressed without recognizing the problem. The number one problem is caused by lack of water. This can cause severe pains in the legs. Coffee, or other hot beverages will not solve the problem. A work at home business owner should drink one bottle of water a day.

There has been a proven problem between food coloring and eye site.

?The use of this feed additive is purely cosmetic, to colour food and reduced levels of it will not adversely affect the taste or quality of our food", said European Health Commissioner, David Byrne.

A work at home business should provide the owner with a better diet. This is rarely true. Without friends to dine with, a much needed excuse to leave the office, or the business lunch, the business owner ends up grazing on pre processed food that includes, excessive sugar and salt, but also more food coloring than is found in most restaurant meals.

Computers

There are risks associated with jobs that force workers to sit in front of that computer:

Eye strain

RSI (Repetitive Stress Syndrome)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Constant Head Aches

Dizziness

Breathing Problems

Difficulty Concentrating

Most of these problems are easy to solve

Use a foot rest

Have a ?pad? heater under the desk in the winter

Only use an ergonomic keyboard

Change position every few minutes.

Buy a monitor larger than 17?, has an anti glare coating, and tilts so it is in line with your eyes ? instead of you needing to bend or twist to be in line with the computer.

While protecting your portfolio, and revenue generating streams, don't forget to protect your health.