Computer Radiation Now at Danger Level If you are a computer user, computer radiation may be your largest single

source of electromagnetic radiation. Although the intensity of radiation from computers may be far less than from, say, a high-voltage power line, people get much closer to their PC. Many of us spend our working days in front of computer monitors, surrounded by nearby electronic equipment, each item emitting radiation. Because of the duration of this exposure (many hours every day), computer radiation is a real health hazard. This type of radiation, known as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), is also emitted from power lines, electrical sub-stations, TVs and other electrical and electronic appliances. Another type of dangerous electromagnetic radiation found near computers is microwave radiation. Microwaves are used to provide radio communication between wireless-networked equipment, including computers, printers, modems, routers and other cordless or wi-fi devices. A typical computer user, not too careful about equipment choice and placement, could be exposed to Type of Radiation ELF radiation from computers Microwave from wi-fi devices Field Strength 3-6 milligauss 100-200 W/m2

Each of these levels individually is far from safe. Taken together they create a very serious health risk. Fortunately there are simple measures to reduce this radiation, which you will read about on this page. Computer Radiation Health Effects For many years it has been known that ELF radiation can cause, or contribute to, various health problems - ranging from sleep interference and allergic reactions, through to heart disease, cancer and alzheimer's disease. To learn more about how computer radiation causes these health problems, see our EMF Health Effects page. Most people would not want to sit at a desk under high voltage power lines. But they will happily sit a foot away from a computer screen, with a computer and printer on the desk next to them, and perhaps a power supply (UPS) near their feet.

They will work like this for several hours every day, for many years, absorbing as much (or more) ELF radiation than if their desk was close to a high-voltage power line! See our table of Power Line EMF Levels for comparison. Computer radiation is easily subdued! Computers contain power supplies, fans, drives and other electrical units which generate ELF radiation strong enough to cause concern at distances up to about 60 cm (about 2 feet). For example, the desktop PCs in our office each produce computer radiation of about 1 milligauss (borderline safe) at 60 cm, stronger towards the rear of the unit. The magnetic portion of this electromagnetic radiation is the most dangerous part. It can penetrate just about anything (including, of course, you). It does not help to place a shield or screen between you and the computer. (See our page What is Electromagnetic Radiation.) But this ELF radiation naturally falls away very quickly with increasing distance, because the radiation is from a low power source. The simple solution is to position your computer as far away from you as cables allow (at least 60 cm, preferably more). If possible, keep it on the floor, not on your desk. You want to minimise the computer radiation to all parts of your body, but especially your head and your trunk. Computer monitor radiation The item most likely to cause a health hazard in some offices is the computer monitor, or screen. The old box-shaped cathode-ray tube (CRT) computer monitors generally have quite high levels of radiation at around 30 cm. The CRT computer monitor in our office produced 3 milligauss of radiation at 30 cm, measured from the front and 4 milligauss at the same distance from the sides. This is a fairly recent model. Computer monitor radiation from older equipment can be even higher. A constant 3 mG of computer monitor radiation is a health hazard in itself, but remember that this same user is probably also absorbing low-frequency radiation from computers, printers, power supplies (ups), florescent lights and mobile phones as well as microwave energy from wireless modems, routers, networks and printers. No wonder computer users get sick so often! Fortunately, technology has come to our aid with the LCD monitor (the flat one), which emits minimal radiation. For example, the LCD screens in our office create an

EMF of 0.3 milligauss at 30 cm, from the front or back - and practically nothing at the sides. This is a much safer level. More recent still are LED monitors. I have one fitted to my laptop. EMF levels on this monitor are very similar to the LCD monitors, so nothing to worry about there. If you use the older CRT type for long periods every day, perhaps it's time it was replaced. (Speak to the boss!) Pregnant women should be particularly careful about using CRT screens which have been associated with higher rates of miscarriage and possibly birth defects. Laptop radiation Laptop or notebook computer radiation is generally lower than from desktop PCs, partly because the components are smaller, the laptop is battery-operated and the laptop screen is invariably an LCD or LED. But the problem with laptop radiation is that you may be very close to it indeed, especially if you operate the laptop on your laptop! In fact, as you will see from our Table of EMF Values, laptop radiation may be as little as 1 milligauss at 30cm, but as much as 20 milligauss at point-blank range. So keep your distance when operating your laptop computer. It should be positioned on a table or desk. Make sure that you are at least 30 cm away from it (except for your hands on the keyboard) to minimise computer radiation. A separate keyboard and mouse (not wireless!) would also be a good idea. Laptop computers produce RF EMF when they are being used wirelessly, either with wi-fi or 3G connectivity. I use the wireless capabilities of my laptop for short periods when I am on holiday, but for normal usage in my office, I use a cable connection, and keep my laptop's wireless ability switched off. EMF from netbook computers (the little jobs) is similar to that from notebooks. The Kindle book reading device produces no EMF in normal use. (The page display uses no power.) Only the tiniest flicker on my Trifield needle was observed when the page-turn button was pressed. But when using wi-fi or 3G communications a substantial RF EMF is produced, similar to a cellphone or laptop computer. Radiation from computer power supply (UPS) Many people have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to provide backup power for their computers. These little guys pack a powerful radiation punch. My UPS produces radiation of 20 milligauss at 30 cm, and over 1 milligauss at 1 metre, even when apparently switched off (but still connected to mains electricity, and charging its battery).

If you need a UPS, position it as far away from yourself and others as cables allow - I suggest at least 1.5 metres. Radiation from larger computer/office equiment. For larger (generally floor-standing) computer equipment such as printers, photocopiers, mini-computers and all racked equipment, assume that a substantial amount of computer radiation will be produced, unless you know differently. Position these items at a safe distance (at least 1.5 metres) from where people work. (The occasional visit to the photocopier or printer need not be a cause for concern, because the duration is short). For mainframe computer operators, engineers and other personnel, it is essential to measure both types of radiation with suitable meters, and minimise your contact with high-EMF areas. Radiation from printers and other computer devices Small (desktop) computer printers generally produce less than 0.5 milligauss at 60cm in standby mode and up to twice that amount when printing. As this is probably not be the only source of computer radiation at your desk, do not keep your printer too close to you. Some corded desktop devices are practically harmless, including keyboards, mouses(!), small speakers and modems. The same applies to telephones (landlines only). You can have these as close as you like. Large sub-woofers that are becoming popular as part of a home computer's sound system can emit more than just (astonishing levels of) bass - ours produces 20 milligauss of ELF radiation at 0 cms, 3 mG at 60 cm (1') and .5 mG at 60 cm (2') whenever the speaker is powered (even when it is producing no sound). So don't use your sub-woofer as a footrest! It needs to be at least 90 cm (3') away from you. (Closer than that it would deafen you anyway!) Wi-fi Radiation from wireless networks, routers, printers and modems Wi-fi information networks, wireless routers, modems and other wireless devices are becoming very pervasive. All of them emit electromagnetic radiation, mainly microwave or radio (also known as RF) radiation, as they keep in touch with each other. These wireless devices are not safe. In fact there is strong evidence that the information content (pulsed digital signal added on to the microwave carrier) may interfere with biological processes. Wi-fi networks are now installed in many public and private places. You may be exposed to them without knowing it.

Most concerning is the practice in some schools of installing wi-fi networks in the computer centre and classrooms. Children are particularly vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation. See our page Who is at risk? Schools and libraries should always install wired networks. For your home and office too, rather use wired products. You may still be exposed to someone else's wi-fi, but at least it will be further away. If you still have reason to be concerned, obtain a suitable radio-frequency EMF meter to run a check. Achieving acceptable computer radiation levels In most cases, applying these recommendations will cause computer radiation to be reduced to acceptable levels. For example, in the small office where I work (about eight hours a day with two other people) there are three desktop computers and one laptop. We have arranged the office to minimise computer radiation for all of us:

Computer (tower) cases are all on the floor next to the user's desk, as far away from the user as possible. The UPS is far away from everyone - at max cable stretch. Screens are all LCD. There is no cordless equipment (keyboard, mouse, telephone etc.) in our office. On a table next to my desk are two desktop printers and a laptop computer. The nearest printer is about 75 cm (30") away from me. At this distance my EMF meter can barely detect it's presence. The computers and printers are all networked together into our (wired) office network . Our internet connection is by DSL with a wired modem connected to a wired telephone line.

I don't think there is much more we can do to reduce computer radiation, unless we change our line of work! So what's the result? Zero Radiation? Not quite At my desk, my feet are exposed to electromagnetic radiation of about 0.5 milligauss and my head to about 0.2 milligauss, with an average whole body EMF of about 0.3 mG. The two other people who share this office have similar levels. Microwave radiation levels in the office are fairly low (about 0.15 microwatts/m2). The microwave radiation is probably due entirely to the cell phone tower, which I estimate is just over 400 metres away.

I'd prefer zero radiation, but in the real world one has to accept a small amount! Now arrange your own workplace You can probably achieve similar or better levels in your home or office. To optimise your exposure and check your results, you would need an EMF meter. A good one for low-frequency work (including computer radiation) is the TriField Electromagnetic Field meter and for microwave radiation you can look at the Electrosmog meter. They are both reviewed on our EMF Meters page. But if you cannot lay your hands on a meter, great benefit can still be achieved just by stretching the distance between you and each item of equipment. You won't know exactly how much you have reduced your exposure to radiation, but your health will still benefit! And forget that myth about putting a cactus on your desk to absorb all the radiation in the room! It would be an easy solution, but it doesn't work. Plants have no effect on EMF, I'm afraid. Computers Computers are a complicated subject. Know this: EMFs radiate from all sides of the computer. Thus, you must not only be concerned with sitting in front of the monitor but also if you are sitting near a computer or if a computer is operating in a nearby room. The Swedish safety standard, effective 711/90, specifies a maximum of 0.25 mG at 50 cm from the display. Many US manufactured computers have EMFs of 5 100 mG at this distance. And know this too: the screens placed over monitors do NOT block EMFs. Not even a lead screen will block ELF and VLF magnetic fields. Space does not permit a more thorough discussion of computers. If you use a computer, it is important that you measure your EMF exposure with a Gauss meter and review the literature concerning the health impacts of computer use.

Is Your Computer Killing You? Ten ways that the computer can hurt your body, mind, and the environment, and what you can do to minimize the damage. By Lee Hamrick January 18, 2006 02:15 PM

You would think being forced to cancel a ski trip because of a work emergency would be punishment enough. But it's not. Toiling (or even playing) away on your computer is cramping more than your style it's hurting your body and your mind. It's not doing your planet much good, either.

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How Computing Can Hurt You

1. Your Arms And Hands 2. Your Waistline 3. Your Shoulders 4. Your Eyes 5. Your Circulation 6. Your Back And Neck 7. Your Head 8. Your Sleep

Rest assured, hard-core computer fans, we're not going to suggest that you abandon your dualcore screamer and take up knitting. This is an online tech journal, after all. Just as we recognize that automobiles can be dangerous but still love a music-blaring ride in a souped-up ragtop, we want you to know the dangers of computing and how to avoid them.

9. Your Emotional Well-Being 10. Your Planet

Workforce Optimization improves staff productivity and performance in the back office. Discover why insurers are increasingly relying on workforce optimization. Read on for the top ten ways computing can hurt you but watch your posture, OK? 1. Repetitive Stress Injuries When the Internet was in its infancy, a new generation of computer users began working on their keyboards for 15 hours at a stretch. Then something strange started happening. Some employees began complaining about pain that wouldn't go away. Worse, the pain seemed to be aggravated by using the computer. "Bah, humbug!" sneered their managers (and peers), counting up their stock options. "These people are whiners and slackers." How wrong they were. Repetitive stress injuries, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even Blackberry Thumb are now accepted and frequently treated workplace problems. The cause? Repetition. It turns out we weren't meant to perform the same actions over and over again. Our bodies, like our minds, crave variety. Repeat the same motion too many times (such as moving your wrist side-to-side while using a mouse), and your body can react with inflamed muscles, compromised joint health, and constant pain. Your Best Defense: Fortunately, protecting yourself against repetitive stress injuries is as simple as sitting the right way, taking breaks, and stretching. Health professionals are unanimous in saying you must take a break from computing. Some say every half hour, some say every hour. Pick the one that's most compatible with your work style and stick with it. Stand up, stretch, and walk around. Deliver in person a message you might have ordinarily e-mailed. Work at home? Walk to the mailbox and back. Try some exercises and stretches designed to target RSI trouble spots. I like the ones at My Daily Yoga's Web site. Here's an example: Opening The Mid-Back

Hug your body, placing the right hand on your left shoulder and left hand on your right shoulder. Breathe into the area between your shoulder blades. On the exhale, bring the lower arms perpendicular to the floor, the palms facing each other. Stretch the fingers up, and on the next exhale, raise the elbows up to shoulder height. Hold for a few breaths and then repeat on the other side. Text and animated graphic courtesy of My Daily Yoga That's just one exercise in the sequence; see My Daily Yoga for the full RSI routine. Also see the site's RSI Prevention Checklist. And don't forget to use comfortable and ergonomically enhanced equipment such as ergonomic keyboards, trackball alternatives, and adjustable chairs. For some examples, see our overview of innovative input devices. These are all preventative measures. If you're already experiencing pain or numbness in your fingers, hands, elbows, arms, or shoulders, seek medical help now. Is Your Computer Killing You? Your Waistline And Shoulders

(Page 2 of 6) 2. Extra Weight Desk jockeys beware. While a desk job might be the stuff blue-collar workers dream of, it's also a great way to pack on the pounds. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported in August, 2005, that a man who sits at a desk for six hours a day or more is more than twice as likely to be overweight than those with more active jobs.

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Videos That paunch packs a serious punch. In cloud computing, WAN optimization is a necessity. Discover how to address network limitations to successfully implement a cloud-based system. In case you've been trapped in a cave for the past 40 years, here's some news: Overweight people are at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, some cancers, and a litany of other health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports: "During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 1985 only a few states were participating in CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and providing obesity data. In 1991, four states had obesity prevalence rates of 15-19 percent and no states had rates at or above 20 percent. In 2004, 7 states had obesity prevalence rates of 15-19 percent; 33 states had rates of 20-24 percent; and 9 states had rates more than 25 percent."

U.S. Obesity Map 2004, courtesy of the CDC

Your Best Defense: Move it. It can be as simple as wearing a pedometer and aiming for 10,000 steps a day. For those with serious weight control issues, the United States Department of Agriculture recommends an average daily amount of exercise equal to one and a half hours. While that may seem exhausting, take heart. Everything you do counts toward that goal. Take the stairs, take a ten-minute walk during lunch, rake leaves, walk the dog. Keep a diary of your activity level for two weeks and adjust accordingly. Dieting can aid in your goal to stay trim, but dieting without exercise is proving to be a short-term solution only. 3. Laptop-Induced Shoulder And Back Injuries Laptops are the devil. They cause cramped finger positioning while keying, the pointer control options are awkward, their position on your lap can induce a crooked neck, and their portability means you're always on call. But did you know "Laptop Shoulder" may be the new "Blackberry Thumb"? A laptop computer can weigh quite a bit on its own anywhere from four to ten pounds. Add in the AC adaptor, several printed reports, a cell phone, a PDA, keys, business cards, etc. and before you know it, your portable computer isn't so portable. Nevertheless, we sling them on our collective shoulders and take off where work demands. That's bad news for your shoulder and back. Picture yourself in the airport security line: two hours with 20 pounds of pressure bearing down on your right shoulder. What you think may be tension is in fact an injured muscle. And let's not forget the wrenching movements we make when slinging our laptop bags over our shoulders. We underestimate the weight and the risk. Your Best Defense: Lift slowly and carefully when picking up your laptop. Consider a notebook backpack, which distributes the weight evenly between both shoulders, or invest in a rolling laptop carrier. Finally, when rolling, push your laptop (and your luggage) in front of you instead of dragging it behind. You're in better control that way and less likely to injure yourself. 4. Eyestrain Once, in the heat of battle during an online game of Quake, I went so long without blinking that my contact lens became stuck to my cornea. Not pleasant.

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As it turns out, it's not such an unusual thing. When we concentrate intently on what is on our computer monitor, we blink less, reducing the natural lubrication in our eyes. Utilizing outdated IT management processes and tools results in unfulfilled expectations. Review the benefits of IT automation. Further, staring at a computer monitor is in itself a challenge. Although what we see on the screen may appear to be constant, it isn't. Each monitor has a refresh rate that continually updates the image. While this update appears seamless, it isn't and your eyes know that. They register this flicker, and that's a major contributor to eyestrain for those spending long hours on the screen. Don't think your fancier LCD screen will eliminate the problem, either. Both LCD and CRT monitors have refresh rates. What's more, your eyes aren't designed to focus on something two feet away from you for hours at a time. Our eyes perform best looking at things 20 feet away or more. To look at something closer, your eyes turn inward and your pupil constricts. This puts strain on your eye muscles and cranial nerves, which can result in symptoms ranging from sore, itchy eyes to blurred vision to increased sensitivity to light. While these symptoms often disappear with rest, double vision while driving home in afternoon traffic is a seriously dangerous situation. Your Best Defense: For every hour spent on your computer, take a five-minute eye break. Look out a window and focus on something far away. Walk around and give your eyes a chance to rest. Make a conscious effort to blink. If you find you're still troubled with dry eyes, try moisturizing drops. One caveat: Look for drops that are made for moisturizing, not for getting rid of redness. See OhioHealth and Quick Online Tips for more computer eyestrain reducing tips. If you follow these steps and still experience ongoing pain, difficulty focusing, or any other problems with your eyes, see an optometrist.

5. Poor Circulation E-mail, e-commerce, e-zines, and now e-thrombosis. It sounds scary because it is. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clots forming in the legs and then moving to the lungs is the condition that scared the e-tickets out of air travelers a few years ago.

Courtesy of The British United Provident Association (BUPA) The bad news is that it can happen to computer users. The good news is that it doesn't happen that often. In 2003, the European Respiratory Journal reported a case in which a young New Zealander had developed DVT after sitting at his computer for more than 18 hours a day. That's a long stretch, but not unimaginable. Your Best Defense: Again, step away from your computer. Stretch your legs, flex your ankles. If you feel soreness or tightness in your legs, do some light exercises to get the blood flowing. YogaEverywhere.com has, as you might suspect, yoga exercises you can do everywhere including specific exercises for your feet and legs. 6. Back And Neck Damage From Bad Posture We must place the blame for our aching necks and backs squarely on our own shoulders. In short, we slouch. Too many of us literally hunker down at our computer, arching our backs and either lowering or raising our chins to see the monitor. If you've ever typed while your elbows resting on your thighs, you're doing yourself a disservice.

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Videos First the neck: If you look either down or up to view your monitor, you're putting an unnatural strain on your cervical spine for long periods of time. That leads to inflammation and possible permanent injury. Cloud computing is a major departure from the traditional IT service delivery model. Discover 4 strategies for moving to the cloud. Now your back: Slumping over your keyboard or crouching down means you're crunching your back. Between your vertebrae are discs that act as cushions or shock absorbers, keeping the vertebrae from rubbing together and preventing nerves from being squeezed in the process. Too much pressure for too long can cause these discs to slip out of place, and that means pain serious, get-me-to-the-doctor-rightnow pain. Less serious injuries can be caused by pulled muscles. Your Best Defense: Posture, posture, posture. Sit erect while at your computer. Pretend to be balancing a book on your head. Your workspace is as important to your efficiency as which processor you use. Keep your monitor high enough so that you don't lower your head to view the screen. And invest (or persuade your boss to invest) in ergonomically correct furniture the expense today will save medical bills tomorrow.

Courtesy of Michigan State University Stand and stretch when possible. Here are some more everyday, anywhere yoga exercises from My Daily Yoga. Finally, listen to your body. Tension you feel in your back or neck may not be caused by emotional stress from your job. It may be a simple matter of readjusting your work position. 7. Headaches And Migraines Headaches and migraines are the phantom symptoms of computer use. Some speculate that migraine sufferers are more sensitive to the refresh rate of monitors, making them more vulnerable. Others speculate that it is the stress of spending long hours on the computer, not the computer use itself, that's at fault. Still others say computer users are experiencing eyestrain and calling it a headache. Whatever the cause, the fact remains that computing can deliver a serious kick to the head. Your Best Defense: Break it up. Drag your eyes away from the monitor. Stay alert for the beginning signs of a headache. If you develop a twinge, best to nip it in the bud by walking away from your workstation. You might also to use this time to tackle other tasks, such as returning phone calls or filing, to reduce the tension.

Also keep in mind the last time you ate, drank fluids, or had caffeine. Not all headaches are caused by computers, and recognizing your triggers is something only you can do. 8. Insomnia It's often difficult to unwind after work. Working at a computer may make it doubly so.

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The University of Maryland Medical Center cites excessive computer use as a cause of insomnia. It's not because you're chomping on the bit to get back to the report that's due. It's a little more complex. A Japanese study found that performing exciting tasks on computers with bright monitors at night reduces the concentration of melatonin and influences the human biological clock, interfering with sleep. In cloud computing, WAN optimization is a necessity. Discover how to address network limitations to successfully implement a cloud-based system. Your Best Defense: Limit the amount of time you spend in front of your computer late at night. You may be better off waking up early to put in those extra hours as opposed to burning the midnight oil. 9. Internet Addiction And Other Risky Behaviors Increasingly, physicians and health workers are treating patients who say they feel compelled to be online all the time e-mailing, instant messaging, shopping, in chat

rooms, playing video games, whatever often to the detriment of work, school, and family life. The popular term for this condition is Internet addiction; however, many health professionals are skeptical that the desire to be online is a true physiological addiction. Indeed, the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize Internet addiction as a medical condition. Whether it's technically an addiction or not, however, there's no denying that spending excessive amounts of time online can have serious repercussions on a person's life. What's more, the Internet can be used to feed other addictions sex, gambling, even shopping, in some cases leading to lost jobs, wrecked relationships, and drained bank accounts. If addiction needs fuel, think of your Internet connection as the closest gas station. We may think of excessive computer use as a problem only in the technologyobsessed United States, but it's not. In March of this year, a government-sponsored center for Internet addictions was opened in Beijing, China, aimed at helping Internet abusers regain balance in their lives. One person receiving treatment reported spending 24-hour stretches in front of his computer. The result: treatments that include counseling and electroshock therapy. Your Best Defense: Here's where we step away from the keyboard. If spending time on your computer begins to negatively affect your job, your interpersonal relationships, your sleep, or your financial stability, you might be in trouble. Here are some organizations that can help. 10. Environmental Impact Enough of the direct-to-the-consumer harm. Did you know that feeding your computer jones can damage the planet? Our yearning for bleeding-edge toys has us throwing out hard drives, cell phones, and PDAs the minute something flashier rears its head. While we may take delight in being on the cutting edge of technology, the planet is suffering from the digital detritus.

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Videos The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition bills itself as a "diverse grassroots coalition that engages in research, advocacy, and organizing around the environmental and human health problems caused by the rapid growth of the high-tech electronics industry." Its findings aren't encouraging. Workforce Optimization improves staff productivity and performance in the back office. Discover why insurers are increasingly relying on workforce optimization. Computers contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these computers become outdated, they end up in landfills, poisoning the ground and our groundwater. Despite the efforts of environmental organizations, less than 10 percent of computers are recycled, and of those that are, only a fraction are recycled safely. What's more, you may literally not see the problem. Greenpeace International reports: "E-waste is routinely exported by developed countries to developing ones, often in violation of the international law. Inspections of 18 European seaports in 2005 found as much as 47 percent of waste destined for export, including e-waste, was illegal. In the UK alone, at least 23,000 metric tonnes of undeclared or 'grey' market electronic waste was illegally shipped in 2003 to the Far East, India, Africa and China. In the US, it is estimated that 50-80 percent of the waste collected for recycling is being exported in this way."

A child sits among a pile of wires in Guiyu, China. Children often dismantle e-waste containing hazardous chemicals that can damage their health. Greenpeace / Natalie Behring Your Best Defense: Take responsibility for your own computer materials and make sure they land safely when you're finished with them. Trashing them isn't the only option. Contact local charities to see if they have a place for a slightly outdated computer. Post a sign in your neighborhood to see if anyone wants it, or advertise it as a freebie on Craig's List. You may have moved on, but not everyone has. No luck? Don't try to discard your computer yourself. Get some professional help. Dial 1-800-CLEANUP for state-specific information on how to safely discard your computer equipment. You can also visit the Earth 911 Web site for tips.

For example, after inputting my zip code at Earth 911, I was given four locations, all within a ten-mile drive from my home, that accept discarded computers. Two of them charge a small fee for accepting monitors, but it's money well spent. Your computer could be killing you Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2003, 9:19am PST <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click%3Bh%3Dv8/3b74/3/0/%2a/n%3B243891771%3B 0-0%3B1%3B17654338%3B4307300/250%3B43187769/43205556/1%3B%3B%7Eaopt%3D2/1/ff/0%3B%7Esscs%3D %3fhttp://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/341707112/direct/01/7907016" target="_blank"><img src="http://view.atdmt.com/CNT/view/341707112/direct/01/7907016"/></a><noscript> <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click%3Bh%3Dv8/3b74/3/0/%2a/n%3B243891771%3B 0-0%3B1%3B17654338%3B4307300/250%3B43187769/43205556/1%3B%3B%7Eaopt%3D2/1/ff/0%3B%7Esscs%3D %3fhttp://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/341707112/direct/01/7907016" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://view.atdmt.com/CNT/view/341707112/direct/01/7907016" /></a></noscript> Related News

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Sitting at a computer for long periods of time could kill you, according to a new study reported in the February 2003 edition of the European Respiratory Journal. It says there is a risk of developing life-threatening blood clots from sitting for long periods at a computer, similar to a problem that has injured or killed some airline passengers on long flights. The report centers on a case from New Zealand in which a young man who spent up to 18 hours a day sitting at his computer nearly died after developing a massive blood clot that formed in his leg veins, broke off and traveled to his lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. This new disorder has been termed "e-thrombosis" by the authors to describe what may become the 21st century variant of thrombosis associated with immobility from prolonged sitting. This condition was first described in people sitting in deck chairs in air raid shelters during the Blitz in London and subsequently identified with prolonged air travel.

Dr. Richard Beasley of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand and his colleagues warn that there may be a large unrecognised risk of developing blood clots in this situation when the widespread use of computers in so many aspects of modern life is considered. "It may be similar to the situation with the risk of blood clots with long distance air it was not until there was publicity with individual cases that the real extent travel of the problem was recognised," he says. The authors recommend that, with the current state of knowledge, it would seem prudent to advise all people who commonly sit for prolonged periods at a computer to undertake frequent leg and foot exercises and to take regular breaks away from their computer.

1 of 3 Gallery Is your computer killing you? Posted on 20 Oct 2010 at 12:38 Wi-Fi radiation, toxic chemicals, stress... Stewart Mitchell investigates the legitimacy of PC health scares New technology always arouses suspicion, but the number of IT-related health scares has reached epidemic levels in recent years. From mobile phones fry your brain headlines to the corporate fears over repetitive strain injury, casual observers might conclude sitting at your PC is roughly akin to smoking 40 a day. Despite attracting front-page headlines, the impact of technology scares remains largely unproven. This doesnt mean they dont exist, just that the jury is out because proving the dangers of technology and the substances used to produce it is often impossible. Here we look at key debates, separate the hype from the scientific facts, and consider why its so difficult to prove or disprove a link between technology and illness. The uncertainty of science Theres an interesting phenomenon that says everything is considered dangerous when it first arrives on the scene, said Carsten Sorensen, senior lecturer in information systems at the London School of Economics. The problem is reading between the lines of initial fear and misinformation. Now click here Health scare or scaremongering? The experts' verdict on computer health scares

Take the mobile phone risk. Since the 1920s, scientists have known that radio waves can heat skin and affect cells in the nervous system. It was a logical leap then to suggest that mobile phones and later Wi-Fi networks could pose a threat in the same way that X-rays require hospital staff to shelter behind lead screens. In 2003, a study of 750 people at Swedens Karolinska Institute suggested using a mobile phone for more than ten years increased the risk of ear tumours by four times, while further European studies said mobile phones could affect brain function and damage DNA. The UKs official investigation into the concept did little to pour cold water on the scare. In 2000, a report by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones the Stewart Report said there was no evidence mobile phones were harmful to adults. Nevertheless, it recommended a precautionary approach until further research was carried out, and suggested that children should use mobile phones only in emergencies. Four years later, it completed a further study that drew the same conclusion. And the current thinking? In May this year after spending ten years and $24 million researching the mobile phone/brain cancer link the World Health Organisation reached a verdict: it isnt really sure. The study involved 13,000 people in 13 countries, and the WHOs International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that general mobile phone use didnt lead to an increased risk of either the meningioma or glioma brain cancers. However, the report did find suggestions that using mobile phones for long periods of time on the same side of the head could lead to an increased risk of glioma. An increased risk of brain cancer is not established, said IARC director Dr Christopher Wild. However, observations at the highest level of cumulative call time and the changing patterns of mobile phone use since the period studies, particularly in young people, mean that further investigation of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk is merited. If the experts cant agree whether mobile phones pose a threat, what hope is there for the rest of us? Perhaps the most damning evidence against a real-life risk comes from Sorensen. Researchers want to prove the existence of a real threat from mobile phone and wireless technology because it would make them extremely famous, he said. But theyve been doing it for 20 years and no-ones been able to prove a real risk. Read more: Is your computer killing you? | Analysis | Features | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/362098/is-your-computer-killing-you#ixzz1WcQ8coYI il Share

Is your computer killing you? Posted on 20 Oct 2010 at 12:38 The mobile phone scare was followed by concerns over Wi-Fi, with schools and other public institutions seeking urgent advice after people complained of headaches when in the vicinity of wireless routers. The BBCs Panorama ran a feature claiming Wi-Fi emissions were three times stronger than base stations, although neglected to report they measured the signals from 100m for the base station, but only 1m for the laptop. There is no consistent evidence to date that Wi-Fi and WLANs adversely affect the health of the general population While the headaches may have been real, the concerns appear unfounded. Recent surveys have indicated that RF exposures from base stations and wireless technologies in publicly accessible areas (including schools and hospitals) are normally thousands of times below international standards, wrote the WHO in a 2006 report. In fact, due to their lower frequency, at similar RF exposure levels, the body absorbs up to five times more of the signal from FM radio and television signals. The UK Heath Protection Agencys current advice on the situation is unambiguous. There is no consistent evidence to date that Wi-Fi and WLANs adversely affect the health of the general population. The signals are very low power, typically 0.1 watt (100 milliwatts) in both the computer and the router, and the results so far show exposures are well within internationally accepted guidelines. Based on current knowledge and experience, radio frequency (RF) exposures from Wi-Fi are likely to be lower than those from mobile phones. Feeling the strain Perhaps the most widely recognised symptom of reliance on computers is the musculoskeletal problems that are often lumped together as repetitive strain injury, or RSI. Theyre well documented and taken seriously by most employers. Last year, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy called on the Government to encourage employers to do more to prevent and reduce repetitive strain injury, after figures from the Health and Safety Executive showed that 213,000 people in work had a musculoskeletal upper-limb or neck disorder that was caused or made worse by work in 2008. Those conditions caused sufferers to take an average of 13.3 days off sick over the course of the year.

Yet, despite the widespread acceptance of RSI as a work-related condition, questions remain over its legitimacy. Its actually a contentious issue as to how big a problem this is there are some people that claim its a major problem and computer use has caused all the problems, while others claim the effect is negligible, said Sarah OHara of the Association of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

When people talk about RSI, people think about wrists, but it isnt just that its about shoulder and neck pain too, but it really is difficult to apportion the blame, especially as people do all sorts of other things in their spare time, whether its playing on games consoles or gardening. However, OHara agrees that people working in certain roles are more likely to suffer pain. Some jobs put more stress on the body, she said. Data input roles, for example, can cause a lot of problems because there are thousands of repetitive clicks and keystrokes and continuous looking from document to screen, or screen to screen. Yet even with this well-recognised disorder, which has given birth to an entire ergonomics industry, there remains suspicion that the harm may be more psychological than physical. During the 1980s in Australia, there were reports at the national telephone carrier Telstra, where in quite a brief period of time it reported 4,000 cases of RSI, or about half of all its telephonists, said Keith Palmer, a professor at the Medical Research Councils Epidemiology Resource Centre. It was on an unprecedented scale, but in time it went away without any real changes to working practices and no apparent intervention. The case did involve claims for compensation, so it could have been exaggerated, but there are similar situations where money hasnt been an issue. Its quite bizarre how these issues come and go. Oddly, the issue is improving despite the increasing time spent on computers and other devices. The 213,000 cases in 2008 compares with 253,000 two years previously. People do wonder if RSI is all in the mind or if its physical and it could be a false dichotomy pain is conceptualised in the brain, not where it exists, said Palmer. Look at people who have pain in amputated limbs. Its also true that people who are happy at work or optimistic are less likely to suffer from these problems. Chemical attack Another supposed health threat posed by PCs stems from the materials in components. The motherboards, chips, solder and cables contain a smorgasbord of toxic compounds. Greenpeace, which has studied the components to evaluate their end-of-life e-waste impact and contaminants, includes lead solder and a series of flame retardants on a hit list of substances that it wants removed from PCs (Click here for a full list of the toxins and their harmful effects). While Greenpeace accepts that most of the damage caused by the toxins occurs during the dismantling and recycling stages, some of the toxins can find their way into the human body during normal use, carried by dust particles that permeate the office and home. The toxins in a PC are released gently and can be found in dust, said Carys Mitchelmore, an assistant professor of environmental chemistry and toxicology at the University of Marylands Center for Environmental Science, who regularly briefs the US Senate on toxic risks. There have been studies where researchers can analyse how many computers you have in your house or in a room based upon the levels of certain chemicals in the

dust. Some of the main issues that have been seen include problems with thyroid hormones, and this is an issue because they play a big part in growth among children, Mitchelmore added. And children are far more likely to have high levels of toxins in their systems because they spend more time on the floor and put their hands in their mouths much more than adults. Industry bodies dismiss the dangers of component chemicals, but the issue was taken seriously enough by policy makers for the European Union to introduce the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which restricts the use of mercury, lead and some brominated flame retardants, including the dreaded polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Read more: Is your computer killing you? | Analysis | Features | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/362098/is-your-computer-killingyou/2#ixzz1WcQFkFWT Is your computer killing you? Posted on 20 Oct 2010 at 12:38 It is, says Greenpeace, a step in the right direction, but even the materials brought in to replace the older retardants could pose a threat. The problem with the alternatives is that we dont really know what they are yet, and we still have to weigh up the health risks, said Mitchelmore. Firemaster 550 and Firemaster BZ-54 are two brominated formulations that are replacements for PBDE flame retardants, and scant toxicological information exists. Employees are always connected by mobile phone and email devices and you get to extreme exhaustion, which can lead to burnout After exposing fish to doses of these chemicals, the University of Marylands Center for Environmental Science claimed significant increases in DNA strand breaks from liver cells were observed. Its unknown yet whether these effects could be replicated in humans, but the idea of chemicals that can damage DNA and inhibit growth certainly gives pause for thought, especially given that there are no established safe limits for some of these materials. The level of exposure that would have an impact totally depends on the person concerned no-ones figured out a threshold yet, said Mitchelmore. How much do you need to smoke before you get cancer? Breaking point Even more intangible than toxicity levels is the effect that increased connectivity can have on our wellbeing. The idea of tech-related stress has gathered weight in recent years, sparked by psychologists fears over a lack of down time, message bombardment and mobile phones that give bosses constant access to workers. The way people work with IT has changed peoples expectations, said Nada Kakabadse, professor of management and business research at the Northampton Business School. Management expects to get a response from people if it sends emails, so

things are much more pressing, which adds to stress. Everything has to be more immediate. Technology encourages us to do lots of things at once; its more and more normal to have two screens or two computers each time you switch between tasks it has a cognitive and emotional impact, said Kakabadse. Employees are always connected by mobile phone and email devices and you get to extreme exhaustion, which can lead to burnout. Then theres impaired vision and spacial awareness is affected, which can cause accidents.

The problem with measuring the impact, said Kakabadse, is that the onslaught of technology has happened so quickly, we wont know the full consequences for years. Although its impossible to pin down the specific causes for stress, the trend amid a more connected workplace hints at a correlation. The HSEs 2009 Psychosocial Working Conditions survey indicated that around 16.7% of workers thought their job was very or extremely stressful compared with 15.2% in 2005. Conclusive proof? The problem with the health scares associated with computing is that theyre almost impossible to pin down. Whether its the computer causing RSI and reduced sperm counts (see opposite), or other contributing environmental factors is always debatable. For every study put forward supporting a computing health issue, theres another that dismisses it and scientists are a preternaturally cautious bunch, never willing to say for definite that x certainly causes y. Theres also a tendency in the media supported by coverage-hungry scientists to report the catchiest headline stories, and to ignore the scientific findings in reports that are barely understood by anyone other than the researchers who wrote them. When scientists write these sort of reports for a research body you need to get people interested, so everyone looks at how mobiles fry your brains or PCs reduce sperm count, said Carsten Sorensen. But its bad backs that are not so glamorous that probably pose as big a threat. Read more: Is your computer killing you? | Analysis | Features | PC Pro http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/362098/is-your-computer-killingyou/3#ixzz1WcQdCv6m Is Your Computer Killing you??? Posted by Jacob Haug on Dec 5, 2010 in Blog | Comments Off

Will Your Computer Be the DEATH of You?

Amazing true story of how my geeky ways almost killed me! I love what I do. Probably most of us would say that or we wouldnt be in this business. Im online maybe 16-18 hours a day and I love every minute of it. My family says Im hooked. My computer is like a drug. When I sign onto the computer, a sense of well being and peace races through my veins. Its like being excited, but yet, being at peace at the same time. As I answer emails, work on podcasts, and handle the hundreds of details that pop up in the course of a day-I feel alive! Downhill Spiral Im not sure when things began to change for me. Over the course of months I found myself being sick more and more. Id have a bout of bronchitis, then just as I was beginning to feel a little better, Id come down with a stomach flu. I went to the doctor several times. I began to feel like the fictional character Monk. I carried hand sanitizer and wipes with me all the time. I know that made me look even more geekybut at that point I didnt care. I was just tired of being sick all the time. Matters went from bad to worse. Instead of thriving on excitement and eating stress for breakfast-I began to have trouble coping with even small issues. The thought of a looming deadline would send my heart racing. One day a friend who was working with me accidentally erased one of my external hard drives. I actually had chest pains! I thought I was dying. I went back to my doctor, who began to suspect that perhaps I had some anxiety and depression issues. Ya think? Pills were offered and taken, but they seemed to make matters worse. My health went from worse to horrible. I was tired and fatigued all the time. I ached all over, like I was about to come down with the flu. Instead of being online all the time-I barely signed on anymore. I slept 20 hours a day and when I got up to eat, I still felt tired. I was too tired to die. Maybe youve been there, too. I couldnt focus for more than a half hour at a time. My work suffered. I all but disappeared. Linda and Karinne (my business partners) must have thought I was cheating on them with another forum. Finally, they called me on it and I knew I had to do something. Whats Wrong With Me? I went back to by doc for a physical. I saw a new physician who talked to me about my complaints and my lifestyle. She asked if I got out in the sun much and I said, no, not really. Then, what she said shocked me a little. I am seeing more and more patients with Vitamin D Deficiency. Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. Your body manufactures the Vitamin D it needs by absorbing the sunshine on your skin. Here in this area, we are at a higher elevation and folks here dont get a lot of good strong sunshine. People who work indoors all the time, like you computer gurus, are especially at risk. This didnt use to be much of a problem-but in med school they are beginning to teach more about it now. Kids stay indoors, watch TV and play video games, and when they do go outside their parents slather them in sun block. Vitamin D deficiency is showing up a lot. Lets test your Vitamin D levels and go from there.

I was on to the lab, where in my opinion they took out way too many little tubes of my precious blood. I almost passed out. But sure enough, in a few days I got a call from a nurse who was desperate to get me on prescription supplements. Your Vitamin D level is 10 mg. The low threshold of normal is 25. This is dangerously low. It can cause lots of problems so we want to get you on a high level supplement. Dont bother to go out and buy any over the counter Vitamin D. You wont be able to get enough that way. Well call you in a prescription and then check your levels in about 3 months. Your B12 is real low too. You need to start taking some supplements on your own or come in for some shots. Oh yeah! Shots are just what I want to jump in line for. I was kind of shocked, and didnt really believe all this panic over a stupid vitamin. After all, I make sure to stop working long enough to eat at least once a day. But, I eat a lot at that one meal. And I dont eat just junk. I eat a lot of chicken quesadillas and seven layer burritos from Taco Bell. I mean, think about it-theres chicken and tomatoes and lettuce and cheese. That kind of thing is pretty good for you. So, I really didnt get the whole deficiency thing. I took so time to study this out. The connection between Vitamin D and strong bones has long been accepted. But theres much more than that. Vitamin D is needed to help your body absorb calcium. And calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. So, perhaps my first clue as to a vitamin D deficiency may have been those 18 cavities I popped up with a couple of years ago. And me being sick a lot-that fits too. Vitamin D has a hormone-like role as it is metabolized. In addition to its role in bone health, Vitamin D is also needed by other systems in the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression, insulin resistance, muscle function, and weakened immune systems. Thus, I began to see that perhaps my low Vitamin D levels played a role in my general aches and fatigue, my depression, and all the other illnesses I came down with. How Much Do You Need and Where Do You Get It? Surprisingly, few foods contain Vitamin D. Of the things I might eat, theres a little in milk, cheese, egg yolks, and some fish. Im not big on any of that except cheese. The recommended daily intake of D3 is 400-600 I.U (international unites) a day. A glass of milk fortified with Vitamin D has a fourth of that. So, drink a couple glasses of milk and some fortified orange juice and youre almost there! Not really. Many experts recommend 1000 to 2000 IU a day. You have to walk a fine line because Vitamin D is not water soluble and you can overdose. You should have your doctor monitor you if you are taking higher doses of Vitamin D. WEB MD explains, Vitamin D is so important that your body makes it by itself but only after skin exposure to sufficient sunlight. This is a problem for people in northern climates. In the U.S., only people who live south of a line drawn from Los Angeles to Columbia, S.C., get enough sunlight for vitamin D production throughout the year.

Dark skin absorbs less sunlight, so people with dark skin do not get as much vitamin D from sun exposure as do light-skinned people. This is a particular problem for African-Americans in the northern U.S. Five to 30 minutes of sun exposure to the face, legs, or back without sunscreen at least twice a week should give you plenty of vitamin D. But this much direct sun exposure might also expose you to potentially dangerous levels of cancer-causing UV radiation. And unless you live in the South or Southwest, you probably dont get enough sunlight during the winter months. Its probably a better idea to get vitamin D from foods or from supplements. Hes Alive Dr. Polansky prescribed 50,000 units a day for a week-then one of those high dose pills a week for the next three months. No wonder they said I couldnt get that much on my own! I also got a couple of B12 shots. I followed her instructions to the letter, and amazingly enough began to feel much better. I felt like Frankenstein rising up- Hes alivehes alive. I couldnt change my eating habits. I am what I am-a fast food junkie. I do try to get out in the sun more and I continue to take over the counter supplements. I am feeling much better. I am back online. I still sleep more than I used to, but its a more reasonable amount of time. Vitamin D deficiency is an occupational hazard we should all be aware of. We geeks are obsessive about our work and cant bear to leave the keyboard for long. While we all take time to run virus scans and install updates to ensure our computer is at optimal performance levels, we often deny ourselves the same courtesy. Remember, you are a needed peripheral. Without its operator, your computer is useless. Heres hoping you will learn from my near death experience. Dont wait till your body sends you a big 404 error.

Question & Answer With Dr. Polansky By: Meredith Polansky, MD.

Who is most likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency? At this point, it seems like just about everyone has some degree of deficiency! But those at most risk are those who stay in doors all the time and those who use sun block all the time. I take a multivitamin every day. Wouldnt this take care of any potential Vitamin D deficiency?

No. We now realize that the daily recommended value is way too low. In the next few years the CDC will recommend 1000 IU per day in addition to fortifying frequently eaten foods with Vitamin D. What about tanning beds? Would it be a good idea to use a tanning bed in the winter if I would like a more natural approach? Tanning beds are NOT natural sunlight. They do not provide the right type of light for the body to manufacture Vitamin D. How can I tell if I am getting enough Vitamin D? Doesnt my doctor check for this in my yearly physical? Many MDs are now starting to check levels annually during the patients physical. You can request the doctor check your Vitamin D levels at any time, however. What about my children? How much Vitamin D should they have and how can I be sure they are getting it? The same amount-1000IU daily. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned they are not getting adequate Vitamin D. Any other advice? Go play in the sun! RESEARCH PROVES IT: Your iPad Is Killing You Henry Blodget | Jan. 16, 2011, 12:17 PM | 9,531 | 27

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Some UK researchers have studied the question on everyone's minds and found that it's true: Your iPad is killing you. People who use iPads for 4+ hours a day have a greater chance of dying than people who use them less than 2 hours a day. The good news, such as it is, is that it's not just your iPad: Your TV is killing you, too. And your Mac. And your PC. And your iPhone. And all things that involve "screen time." Basically, "recreational sitting," which is what it's called when you play Angry Birds on your iPad instead of say, throwing a baseball outside, increases your odds of having a "mortality event." Interestingly, these increased odds of dying are not just due to

your being fatter and more out of shape because you spend more time sitting on your butt. Here's the summary from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Conclusions: Recreational sitting, as reflected by television/screen viewing time, is related to raised mortality and CVD [cardio-vascular disease] risk regardless of physical activity participation. Inflammatory and metabolic risk factors partly explain this relationship. And here are some details: Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the independent relationships of television viewing or other screen-based entertainment ("screen time") with all-cause mortality and clinically confirmed cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. A secondary objective was to examine the extent to which metabolic (body mass index, highdensity lipoprotein and total cholesterol) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein) markers mediate the relationship between screen time and CVD events. Background: Although some evidence suggests that prolonged sitting is linked to CVD risk factor development regardless of physical activity participation, studies with hard outcomes are scarce. Methods: A population sample of 4,512 (1,945 men) Scottish Health Survey 2003 respondents ( 35 years) were followed up to 2007 for all-cause mortality and CVD events (fatal and nonfatal combined). Main exposures were interviewer-assessed screen time (<2 h/day; 2 to <4 h/day; and 4 h/day) and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Results: Two hundred fifteen CVD events and 325 any-cause deaths occurred during 19,364 follow-up person-years. The covariable (age, sex, ethnicity, obesity, smoking, social class, long-standing illness, marital status, diabetes, hypertension)adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 2.16) and for CVD events was 2.30 (95% CI: 1.33 to 3.96) for participants engaging in 4 h/day of screen time relative to <2 h/day. Adjusting for physical activity attenuated these associations only slightly (all-cause mortality: HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.13; CVD events: HR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.89). Exclusion of participants with CVD events in the first 2 years of follow-up and previous cancer registrations did not change these results appreciably. Approximately 25% of the association between screen time and CVD events was explained collectively by Creactive protein, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Read more about the study here > See Also: 10 Tricks To Try If Your Emails Are Getting Ignored We all know just how much we rely on technology and computers in our everyday lives. But what you probably don't know is that your computer can be a serious detriment to your health.

According to a shocking article published in Men's Health recently, if you sit down most of the day, your chance of dying from a heart attack increases by a whopping 54%! Yes - 54%! Doesn't matter if you smoke or not. Doesn't matter whether you eat healthy or exercise regularly either. The simple fact of the matter is that if you spend the majority of the day sitting, which includes in front of a computer all day, your chances of leaving this world courtesy of a "grabber" are pretty darn high. And I gotta admit folks - that is pretty darn scary. According to that article, researchers followed the lifestyles of over 17000 people over the course of 13 years plus and found that all other factors take a back seat (pun intended) to whether or not you are going to die of a heart attack than the simple fact of whether or not you spend your day sitting down or standing up and moving around. So this study isn't just some flash in the pan, we tested a few people and found this in the majority of cases - this is a study of thousands over a long period of time so it holds a high degree of merit as far as I am concerned. So what are you to do if you are an office worker and spend 8 hours each day in front of a computer? Here are some tips taken from that article: 1. Take 2 breaks an hour. Hit the water cooler. Make a brief visit to a co-worker's cube. Or just stand up and stretch out a little. But take those 2 breaks. 2. Stand during phone calls. Sounds simple, but think of how much time you spend on the phone every day. 3. No long emails. If an email takes longer then 15 minutes to write, pick up the phone (and stand while doing so!) 4. Ask HR for a standup desk. This might be the hardest to do, because really what HR department is going to approve stand up desks for everyone? But at least you can ask. I'll tell you what though, as someone who has spent the majority of their career in front of a computer - this kind of information definitely changes the way I think about my work day and maybe it should have the same affect on you. Male Infertility, and Other Ways Your Laptop Is Slowly Killing You By Tony Bradley, PCWorld The news that laptops can negatively impact male fertility--even when a cooling pad is used--has been capturing headlines this week. While that is a significant potential consequence of prolonger laptop use, it is not the only adverse impact the laptop can have on one's health. Similar Articles:

How to Make Your Laptop Run Quieter and Cooler Laptops May Pose Infertility Risk for Men 8 Great Laptops Under $800 Why Apple's 11-Inch MacBook Air Is TSA-Approved When Should You Buy a New Laptop? Which Specs Deserve Your Respect?

We live in an increasingly busy and mobile world where more and more people rely on mobile computing to stay productive anytime and anywhere. Unfortunately, as convenient as laptops may be when it comes to portable computing, there are also some down sides. Male Infertility. There is a biological reason that the testes are stored in the scrotum-outside of the body. Sperm production requires a lower temperature than the standard internal body temp. Tech gadgets generate heat--a lot of heat in some cases. There are even Android and iPhone apps specifically designed to max the processor and heat the smartphone up to use as a hand warmer in colder climates. A recent study found that the temperature generated by placing a laptop on your lap-even when using a laptop cooling pad--results in temps that can impact male fertility. Men looking forward to fathering children may want to think twice about using a laptop on their lap. Hearing Loss. Have you ever been in a quiet house when the power went out. Then you realize just how quiet real silence is. Even when not making any overt sound, the laptop fan is generally spinning away, and there is the general hum of the inner workings of the laptop. This relatively moderate white noise is not a significant health risk, but can result in impairment or partial hearing loss over time. Users who routinely use headphones with the laptop may subject themselves to significantly higher decibels and be at even greater risk. Vision Strain. Staring at a laptop screen for extended periods of time can strain your eyes. It can result in headaches, or dry and itchy eyes--and over time it could permanently affect your vision. Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, FAAO recommends the following practice to reduce eye strain. "When using a digital device take a break, blink, breathe. Many doctors call this the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away." Dr. Bonilla-Warford also suggests an annual eye exam. Carpal Tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a concern for extensive typing in general. However, space is often more cramped when using a laptop, and the ergonomics are not optimal when trying to type while balancing a laptop on your knees. Extended typing on a laptop--especially if your arms and hands are not positioned properly, can result in muscle strains and moderate to sever pain. Back Pain. Some laptops are quite hefty. At the same time that much smaller netbooks have exploded in popularity, there has also been a rise in massive desktop replacement laptops. In order to pack in processing power, storage, and a display comparable to a desktop PC, these gargantuan laptops can weigh in at six or seven pounds. That isn't a tremendous amount of weight, but when placed in a brief case or shoulder bag it can put a significant strain on back muscles as you lug it around town.

I am not suggesting that using a laptop will result in you being a sterile, deaf, blind, hunchback--but be warned that it's possible. Seriously, all of these are real potential health implications of prolonged laptop use, and you should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions. One solution is to use a tablet instead of a laptop. The tablet won't resolve the eye strain, or carpal tunnel issues per se, but the cool, silent, lightweight device can meet almost all of the standard needs typically met by a laptop, and eliminate the risk of infertility, hearing loss, and back pain at the same time. If a tablet just won't cut it for your mobile computing needs, you could at least switch to a smaller, lighter, netbook which will hopefully also run cooler and quieter than a larger notebook PC. Could This Leisure-time Activity Be Killing You? By Alice Wessendorf on 01/21/2011 How would you like to dramatically reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke while hardly lifting a finger? Well, the fact is that you can do just that. And although its killing me to write it, Im going to share the secret of how with you right now. Step away from this screen. Turn it off and go do anything else but sit in front of another computer monitor or TV screen in your house. Well, that is if youre spending four or more hours a day doing it. Allow me to explain. A new report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adults that spend more than four hours per day in front of a screen are at a 113% increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. And your risk of death from any cause jumps a dramatic 50% when you surpass four hours of screen time! Now, to be clear I should explain that scientists feel its actually the sitting that youre doing while watching television or surfing the Internet thats the real culprit here. To make matters worse, the experts say that no matter how much exercise you get when youre not in front of the screen it may not be able to compensate for the time sitting on your posterior. The good news is that this doesnt mean you cant watch your favorite TV program or spend some time reading your favorite e-letter (and yes, I DO, of course, mean this one). It simply means that you need to become more aware of how much time you spend sitting and start cutting down on that sedentary time. Your goal should be to drop your screen time down as far below the four-hour mark as you can while still allowing yourself to spend some time online or watching your favorite programs. (Yes, its our old friend moderation back for a visit.) And while more research needs to be done, it seems pretty obvious that if you break up your sitting-in-front-of-a-screen time with some mild movement, such as, for

example, walking around or gently stretching, youre going to be better off. This could be especially important for those of us who need to spend a fair amount of time sitting in front of a screen for work purposes. In the end, its a really simple formula: Less sitting plus increased movement equals a healthier heart and longer lived you. And, no, moving the television a bit farther away from the refrigerator doesnt really count here.

Is TV Killing You? by Head Health Nutter on January 15, 2010 Theres a rumour going around: electrical gadgets emit harmful radiation which affect our health. Since weve been doing The 2010 TV Detox here on Live Lighter, Emmanuel (movie & TV lover), asked that we finally settle this dispute in a post. Here it is! Like chemicals, electromagnetic radiation occurs naturally as well as from man-made products. We receive radiation from the sun, earth, our own bodies and of course, all our electrical devices. Its all around us! What is radiation exactly? Click here to find out. From the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Man cannot escape exposure to some radiation. We are surrounded by natural radioactivity in the earth and by cosmic rays from outer space. This is called background radiation and cannot be controlled. We are also exposed to manmade radiation, which can and must be controlled. There are different types of radiation along the radiation spectrum, some more harmful than others. According to RADTown U.S.A. the radiation that comes from xray machines are a form of ionizing radiation, which is capable of removing electrons from atoms and damaging living cells and the DNA of those cells. Man-made non-ionizing radiation includes: lasers, televisions, computer monitors and wireless technology. However, televisions and computer monitors that use a cathode ray tube (CRT) can potentially emit low-level x-ray radiation. So easy enough, to reduce your exposure to harmful radiation from your TV or computer, buy flat screens! But wait, thats not all Dr. Natasha Turner in The Hormone Diet says in her chapter, Superb Sleep for Hormonal Balance:

Be aware of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your bedroom. These can disrupt the pineal gland and the production of melatonin and serotonin. They may have additional negative effects, including increased risk of cancer. EMFs are emitted from digital alarm clocks and other electrical devices. If you must use these items, try to keep them as far away from the bed as possible at least three feet.

Although the FDA and RADTown U.S.A. both declare that scientists have yet to identify specific health effects resulting from exposure to extremely low doses of lowlevel radiation over prolonged periods of time, they also say in practically the same breath: Scientists work from the premise that no amount of radiation is safe. They advise that x-radiation from TV sets, as well as other commonly used electronic products, be kept as low as reasonably achievable. On TheTruthSeeker.co.uk, Rixon Stewart cites a study reported in the Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity which revealed rays from a TV flicker erratically, causing uneven and irregular stimulation of the retina. The rats in this study were exposed to colour TV for six hours a day. They became hyperactive and extremely aggressive for about a week, then became lethargic and finally, stopped breeding altogether. Apparently, the rats endocrine systems burnt out from all the stress! By the way, in this experiment the TV screens were covered in thick black paper so that only the invisible radiation, rather than the visible rays, came through. Equally interesting, Stewart cites that in 1970, Dr. Robert Elder, director of the BRH [U.S. Bureau of Radiological Health], testified before Congress that even very minute doses of radiation, which fall below the legal limit cause damage and that the damage is cumulative. There are quite a few people out there convinced that EMFs, even at low doses, are harmful over time. Emwatch.com has posted a laundry list of negative health effects caused by EMFs, and they say its only a sample from a growing mountain of research. Dr. Neil Cherry from New Zealand has been studying electromagnetic radiation for over 10 years. You can read about Dr. Cherry and some of his findings in his 3-part article, Strong international concern about the dangers of electromagnetic radiation. Whats the verdict? There seems to be acceptable limits for both chemicals and radiation, natural or manmade. And, these limits are most likely personal since we are, after all, unique beings with different compositions in our body chemistry. For example, some people can drink coffee all day long without it affecting them while others will have less than a cup in the afternoon and experience insomnia that night.

Accumulation of radiation, again like chemicals, may also have a role in the negative health effects. If our bodies cant keep up with detoxificati0n, our personally acceptable limits reduce over time. Can we detox radiation? That will have to be another post. Until then, what do you think, dear Readers, is TV killing you? Let us know in the comments below!