Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

RSI Affects Many PC Users

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a major concern for both employers and employees in the UK and around the planet. A study conducted out in 2008 showed that around 68% of workers in the UK suffered from some sort of RSI and the principal areas that were affected by it were the back, shoulders, wrists and hands. The incidences of RSI are likely to resume rising as more and more individuals labor in offices and laptop users are amongst the worst affected by it.

RSI is usually used as a catch all name for a quantity of conditions such as tendinitis, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome and in general tends to tell more as regards how the injury was sustained instead of what the injury in fact is. The symptoms of RSI include tenderness in the affected region or regions, weakness and lack of endurance and the fact that hurting is made worse by action.

There are a few of ways to acquire RSI treatment and RSI relief on behalf of sufferers the majority of which have to do with making a few straightforward changes to working practices and routine. The aid of ergonomics is a highly rated source of repetitive strain injury treatment and can alleviate pressure on the body as can the application of an ergonomic mouse whilst using a PC. Pause software reminds PC users to take frequent breaks whilst using a CPU and complete exercises that will prevent symptoms from worsening. Specific strength exercises such as yoga, tai chi and the Alexander Technique can help to prevent RSI and strengthen the areas that are affected by it as they increase posture and central strength. There are a quantity of medicinal treatments that can produce repetitive strain injury relief such as non-sedative pain medication, braces and therapy although it is in the main acknowledged that mainstream health providers are still working on the best tactic to treating RSI.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs once the median nerve becomes squeezed or compressed at the wrist and is an occupational hazard for frequent users of computers. The symptoms progress from a frequent burning sensation or stinging in the palms and fingers to complete numbness and constant throbbing in the arm and hands. There is a number or carpal tunnel treatment obtainable to sufferers such as drugs, exercise and alternative treatments. In the cases where these don’t work carpal tunnel relief can be obtained by surgery on the affected region but this is just recommended if symptoms persist for longer than 6 months. This surgery is one of the most conventional in the US and involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to free pressure on the median nerve.

If you believe that you experience any of the symptoms of either RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome it is recommended that you pay a visit to your doctor as soon as you can as early therapy can prevent the symptoms becoming worse or obstruct RSI developing altogether.

Medical Supplies for Kids

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Anyone who works with kids – or ever has worked with kids – knows that it’s important to be prepared for just about anything. This is why whether you’re a daycare worker, a mom, a teacher, or a babysitter, it’s important to have medical supplies on hand in a convenient location so that you can easily access them during emergencies or minor crises.

Many people may think that having bandages and antibiotic cream on hand would be enough, but it’s really not. If you’re dealing with any larger wounds or scrapes, for instance, you’ll want to have gauze and athletic tape so that the bandage doesn’t stick to the wounded area. Plus, you’ll want anti-itch cream and aloe lotion, especially if you’re with kids in the summer. Don’t forget to have ice packs on hand, too, since many bumps and bruises can be soothed with a little coolness, and athletic wrap can be helpful in stabilizing injured joints until you get to a doctor’s office.

Now that you have a more extensive list of medical supplies in mind, make a list of what you need and how much of each thing you’ll want to have available. You can use this list later to double check that you have all the supplies you need at frequent intervals so that you never run out of anything.

Finally, when you get all your supplies together – whether you buy them in bulk for a daycare or just buy small packages for home use – be sure that everything is easily accessible and well-organized. You should be able to send an older child to pull a bandage or an ice pack from your medical supplies area without wondering whether she’ll be able to find what she’s looking for. Be sure, though, that the supplies are out of reach of younger children when you put them away.