Today we would like to take some time to raise awareness about employee health and computers. Companies are often contacting us about computer vision syndrome and different ailments that cause their employees stress. Having the right computer screen does make a massive difference in how well your staff can work.

Employee health should be a priority in your company. Healthy employees have more stamina and are better able to think clearly, and they don’t spread illness. But health is more than just not being sick. Many theories trying to define health have been proposed throughout civilization. More modern theories say that health involves being emotionally, socially, and physically well, and proactively living a well life.

You can contribute to health in the workplace by helping with computer vision problems. Computer vision syndrome is a spreading issue that doctors have been seeing more and more. Approximately one in six people who request eye exams have computer related vision problems. This is a growing problem that is getting worse.

People sit at their computers without stretching and without exercise. They sit for longer hours than they used to, staring at a backlit screen. This is not normal for the human brain to take it. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that more than 100 million people in this country use computers at their jobs every day. And an astounding 62 percent of all classrooms and 95 percent of all schools in America have computers. This means that both adults and kids are bombarded by the pull of the glowing screens and immediate information at their fingertips.

Computers have brought technology to where it is today. They are responsible for the quicker spread of news and for many other great advances. But humans may not be physically evolved enough to use them constantly, as statistics show. Many Americans that use these devices daily have back and other musculoskeletal problems. They report injuries more often to their doctor. You can help to prevent and solve problems in your workplace by implementing certain safeguards. Here are tips on how to relieve and prevent Computer Vision Syndrome as well as other related physical ailments.

Take Breaks

Something that you should encourage in the workplace is taking breaks. Each person should take a few minutes each day to stretch. It is recommended that stationary employees do so every half an hour or so. Remind your prized workers to take a little time for themselves. Encourage breaks throughout the day. This can help to keep people healthy and at work. Plus, eyes need breaks form the computer screen and hands need breaks from the horizontal typing position. Get employees in for regular screenings for carpel tunnel to prevent and treat it right away. It is a lifetime ailment that can affect people’s future work and lives.

Lighting

When people stare at a screen with bad lighting, they can tend to get strained necks from trying to look closer so that their eyes adjust. They can also get strained eyes. Look into getting the lighting professionally done. Organizational therapists are meant for just this purpose. Have them come in and take a look at the lighting and seating and other things that commonly contribute to problems. While you are at it, have them make sure that your business is efficient and that the employees are happy with good morale. These things can contribute to better business and to employee health.

Screen For Problems

You can treat eye problems with gels and surgery. The doctor will tell you what is best in consultation. But it is always better to prevent the problem than to have to treat it. Women tend to have more computer related eye issues than men, so this may be taken into account. Screen all employees for eye health often to prevent healthcare costs and problems.

Computer vision syndrome is a relatively new problem that is on the rise. Stop it in its tracks at your office for happier, healthier employees. Check in with Crossaction Business IT Specialists as we frequently post new updates that can help to improve your companies bottom line. Employee computer health is something your business must consider. If you are purchasing new systems, give us a call and we can help you find the best systems to limit eye strain and maximize employee productivity!

Emails and data transfer devices are know for bringing viruses to computers. How can you keep your personal data safe when it seems like each day a new virus or “super-virus” has been released into the Internet? Keeping a virus from transferring itself from a computer to your phones, tablets. and other devices can be tricky if you haven’t taken steps ahead of time to limit virus problems.

We have found a simple 3-step method to keep viruses away from your personal devices:

• Do not open an email from an unknown sender.
• Do not download files online unless you know the website and 100% trust it.
• Always scan your downloads with a trustworthy virus tool.

Here are some tips to follow if you want to keep your personal devices safe from hackers and viruses.

1. You MUST exercise caution with opening emails and attachments from unknown sources. If you have an email from a person that isn’t part of your mailing list, you should avoid opening it.
2. Watch out for the questionable links. Social media is starting to become cluttered with junk ads and spam links. You must exercise caution when you are browsing online.
3. Online downloading is fast and convenient, but it is not always from a legitimate source. You need to focus on downloads that are from credible sources. Avoid those fake games and financial tracking apps that spread viruses in a hurry.
4. If you use Bluetooth, use the undiscoverable settings to keep people from being able to have a virus pass through the connection. Basically what can occur is you walk near a device and your connection to Bluetooth is discoverable and you are instantly connected, where a virus can be transferred.
5. Use antivirus software on all your devices, even iPhones. Those viruses and hackers are getting better and they are starting to break through some of the “FREE” virus tools you can download. Stay safe and consider a good app that will protect you effectively.

If you have a device that has been attacked by a virus, give Crossaction Business IT Specialists a call. Our goal is to help protect your private data and keep it safe and secure!