User Manual

8 Monitoring your health habits and
exercise
The comfort and safety of working at the computer can be affected by your general state of health.
Studies have shown that a variety of health conditions may increase the risk of discomfort, muscle
and joint disorders, or injuries. If you have any of the health conditions or factors listed below, it is
particularly important to stop what you are doing on a regular basis and frequently scan your body for
awkwardness or discomfort.
These conditions include:
Hereditary factors
Arthritis and other connective tissue disorders
Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
Thyroid conditions
Vascular disorders
Generally poor physical condition and dietary habits
Prior injuries, traumas, and musculoskeletal disorders
Excessive weight
Stress
Smoking
Pregnancy, menopause, and other conditions affecting hormone levels and water retention
Advancing age
Monitoring personal tolerance levels and limits
Computer users have different tolerance levels for work intensity and sustained activity length.
Monitor your personal tolerance levels and avoid regularly exceeding them. If any of the listed health
conditions apply to you, it is particularly important to know and to monitor your personal limits.
Cultivating your health and fitness
Your overall health and tolerance for work typically can be improved by avoiding adverse health
conditions when possible and by exercising regularly to improve and maintain your physical fitness.
Monitoring personal tolerance levels and limits 19