Zap: How Your Computer Can Hurt You and What You Can Do about It

From eyestrain to carpal tunnel syndrome, computer-related injuries are on the rise. This easy-access, well-illustrated guide explains a variety of potential hazards and what you can do to reduce your risk. Includes chapters on backache, headache, tendinitis, radiation, pregnancy, kids' concerns, and much more. For more Zap!-related information , check out Don's own Web site. There are more than 50 million desktop computers in the U.S., but few users know how their computers could be hurting them. In fact, more than ten million people a year are treated for computer-related health ailments. Zap! , an unusually accessible and heavily illustrated book, covers the entire spectrum of computer-related health hazards and preventative measures - from eyestrain to monitor radiation to carpal tunnel syndrome. Consider the scope of the problem: Cumulative trauma disorders. More than four million of America's computer users suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (in the wrists) and other painful cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). These injuries can cause pain and discomfort, and at their worst, permanent disability. (source: CTDNews ) The fastest-growing complaint. 61% of occupational illness was attributed to CTDs in 1991, up dramatically from only 18 percent in 1981 (includes all occupational-related CTDs, not just computer-derived; source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most-common surgery. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common operation performed under workers compensation. Unfortunately, 30% of these cases report poor to fair results (source: Journal of the American Medical Association ). Monitor radiation. Debate rages about the dangers of radiation from computer monitors. Some experts contend that such radiation can cause leukemia and increase chances of miscarriage, while others dismiss these contentions as unsupportable. The costs of computer injury. Treating a single case of back pain costs about $24,000; and carpal tunnel syndrome, $29,000 (source: The National Council on Compensation Insurance.). A rough estimate of the economic impact of these problems amounts to tens of billions of dollars. The cost to business could reach upwards of 100 billion dollars a year, if all those suffering from computer-related CTDs sought treatment. That's quite a dent in our gross domestic product, not to mention the countless hours of personal suffering--much of it preventable. What's Covered in Zap! : The most current, comprehensive and constructive analysis of computer-related health hazards and solutions available. All major facets of the problem, including those related to monitor radiation; pain and injury in the hands, wrists, and arms; pregnancy; furniture and ergonomics; keyboards and mice; kids' concerns; eyestrain; exercise; office ecology; medications; getting medical help; and much more. Short, easily-accessible chapters, heavily illustrated, punctuated throughout with sidebars, pullquotes, and photographs make the reading interesting, entertaining, and informative. A comprehensive list of dozens of resources, including: furniture manufacturers, software developers, accessory sources, newsletters, books, government agencies, and online resources.Sellers, Don is the author of 'Zap: How Your Computer Can Hurt You and What You Can Do about It' with ISBN 9781566090216 and ISBN 1566090210.