Online Class Notes (Jesse)

Computer, Internet and health

The computer has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives and at work. It brings us great convenience but also some challenges and troubles since it directly affects health, both physically and mentally, when people work on computers for a long time.

In what way do computers and the Internet affect health when we spend too much time on them? Firstly, our bodies suffer a lot from this lifestyle. After watching a screen and using a keyboard for an extended period, uncomfortable symptoms and conditions including glaucoma, sore muscles in the hands, wrists and waist, neurasthenia, feelings of tension, dysphoria and anxiety frequently appear. Secondly, it leads to internet addiction syndrome of which typical symptoms include depression, sleep disorders, loss of appetite and weight, reduced energy levels, social isolation and dysfunction, and drug and alcohol abuse. Thirdly, air emitted from computers do harm to the respiratory system which is not only toxic but also can lead to shortness of breath especially in patients with conditions such as asthma and various allergies. It should be further noted that, our lungs will be damaged if we stay in a place of high ozone concentration for a lengthy period.

As “computer syndrome†has become a widespread modern condition, people have started to pay more attention to harm it can cause / there is now increased awareness of the potential damage it can cause / people are now more aware of the potential hazards. There are a number of ways which can be helpful in ensuring proper use of computers and reduction of hazards, and it is crucial to ensure the public is aware of these methods. Firstly, computer users should have a rest every 1 hour for 10 minutes, during which, it’s better to participate in outdoor activities and engage in physical exercise. Secondly, it is suggested to improve working environment by having sufficient lighting, opened windows and noiseless equipment. Thirdly, nutritional supplements such as Vitamin A, carrots, oranges, milk and eggs can be a useful addition to the diet, with tea being a good choice due to the polyphenols it contains helping in absorption and resistance to radioactive substances.

other than this / except for this / outside of that / furthermore / moreover / another area that is useful is