Make Good Use of Tools – Live in Harmony with Computers
The negative impacts of computers on human physiology and psychology have increasingly drawn public attention. How can these harms be reduced?
Enhance self-care awareness: Take appropriate breaks during work intervals. Generally, computer operators should rest for about 10 minutes after working continuously for one hour. It is best to move around outside the workspace, stretching limbs and torso. Regular physical exercise should also be strengthened to improve physical fitness.
Pay attention to the work environment: Lighting in the computer room should be moderate—not too bright or too dim—avoiding direct light hitting the screen and causing glare. The workspace should remain well-ventilated and dry to allow harmful gases to dissipate quickly. Use non-impact printers as much as possible to reduce noise.
Observe correct operating posture: Position the center of the computer screen at the same height as the operator’s chest level. Preferably use an adjustable-height chair. When seated, ensure sufficient space to extend both feet; avoid crossing legs to prevent impaired blood circulation.
Protect vision: Avoid prolonged continuous computer use and take regular breaks. Maintain the optimal posture: keep a distance of 40–50 cm between eyes and screen, with both eyes looking straight ahead or slightly downward. This helps relax neck muscles and minimizes eye exposure area.
Supplement nutrition: Prolonged time spent in front of screens depletes retinal rhodopsin, which is primarily synthesized from vitamin A. Therefore, computer users should consume more carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu, red dates, oranges, milk, eggs, animal liver, lean meat, etc., to replenish vitamins A and protein in the body. Drinking more tea is also beneficial, as tea polyphenols and other active substances aid in absorbing and resisting radioactive materials.
Keep skin clean: The surface of computer screens accumulates significant static electricity, attracting dust that may transfer onto exposed facial and hand skin, leading over time to rashes, pigmentation, and even skin lesions. Yang Kaiyan, Publicity Department, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Provincial Vocational Medical College