I had just reached home when I received a call from one of my friends about the shootouts in Mumbai. Immediately, I felt the urge to switch on the television and grab the remote. To my utter dismay, I watched some of the news channels reporting about the shootout. Of course, in the beginning, due to unconfirmed media reports, the incident looked not more than a regular gang war. Therefore, I decided to take dinner and went to bed.
Next morning, all hell broke loose when I switched the television on and saw details of the shootout. All the news channels were telecasting the live videos and clips of Mumbai attacks. The severity of the attack was very much understandable from what I was watching on the television screen. As I was watching the terror act, it seemed as if everything was happening beside me because of the noise of gunshots and explosions being heard all around. Militants had attacked several places in Mumbai—the financial capital of India— killing hundreds of innocent people. Their well-coordinated attack indicated that they have come with a plan to take hostage of as many people as possible and seize India. It appeared as if Mumbai has become a podium of war. The militants looked like devils, as they were killing the people mercilessly. Security forces including Mumbai Police, Army, Naval Commandos (MARCOS), and NSG were trying to overpower the militants. Finally, after conquering the battle, our brave and courageous security forces successfully flushed out the heavily armed militants.
It is really a big excuse for us every time to say that we have coped up again, Mumbai can never stop, and the coward killers cannot dominate us. When something like Mumbai attacks happen, we all start chitchats and gossips. Politicians condemn the incident and give their lecture as usual. Media focus shifts to discussion panels involving politicians, media heavyweights, religious leaders, academicians, et al. Defense experts and former diplomats give their readymade analysis—as they do after similar incidents. We too, the common people, take interest in such topics for 2-3 days or a week and then return to our day-to-day life. In a matter of weeks, the situation becomes normal. Then, one day the news of blast hammers us again and the cycle of political speeches, media reports and discussions, blah…blah… repeats. Finally, this is just an excuse for everyone, nothing else.
Militants are motivated to the highest extent where they hardly allow their brains to judge and think about their actions that partake to right and wrong consequences. They just obey the orders of their mentors. They even do not think of the aftermath of their attack – children becoming orphan, earning members of many families dying and there is brutal psychological effect on common people. People, who survive such an attack, suffer from trauma for a long time. Therefore, the basic idea should be to eradicate the root cause of militancy and make the world free of terrorism.
Killing of the innocent people in Mumbai attack was very shameful. This act of militancy is highly intolerable. The obvious question is “When will the terrorism stop or should we have to accept it as a part of our daily life like some countries have accepted?” My fellow Indians, now it is the time to wake up and fight with not only the terrorists but also terrorism. We must devise long-term strategic plans to wipe out militancy. Our government should take stringent steps—both at diplomatic as well as offensive level—to stop such attacks. Not only the government, but also it is the responsibility of all of us to take sincere steps and make this world free from militancy.
Let us together make this world terrorism free!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Ergonomics for Computer Users
While using a computer for prolonged hours, you may feel backache, pain in your fingers and wrist, burning sensation in eyes, and so on. These can be the warning signals, which may turn into musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, etc. The origin of these disorders could be:
· Improper or bad body posture
· Improper workstation setup
· Long periods of typing
· Incorrect work habits
· Stressful work conditions, and so on.
If you feel any persistent or recurring pain or discomfort that you think may be due to computer usage, consult a qualified physician immediately.
The science of comfortably adjusting the work environment to fit human body is Ergonomics. You should follow the principles of ergonomics while using your personal computer or laptop. Following the ergonomic principles can help you in following ways:
· You can work for long hours without getting strain
· Despite the workload, you would not feel body ache and uneasiness
· The quality of work and output improves
· Can optimally concentrate on your work thereby increase your efficiency
Major causes of body ache and strain, and their preventive measures are as follows:
· Improper body alignment: Set up your computer, notebook, table, and chair heights to fit you.
· Prolonged positions: One of the major injury risk factors is the static posture. Try to have a short break of 4-5 minutes every hour to shift positions, walk, stretch, and so on.
· Repetitive movements: Make variations while working so that you use different muscles. It helps you to keep a particular muscle away from strain.
· Inadequate vision: Go for an eye check every six months.
ERGONOMICS PRACTICES WHILE USING YOUR PC
Position of Monitor
The screen should be about 25 inches from your eyes, or about an arm's length. The top of the monitor should be at eye level because the eyes are at their most comfortable position straight ahead but slightly downward. This posture also makes it easiest to balance your head above your shoulders with the least muscular effort.
Screen Brightness and Color Scheme
Make sure there is no glare on the screen and it is dust free. Black characters against a light gray background are often easiest on the eyes for long periods. Adjust the contrast and brightness to create the brightest screen without blurring.
Position of Keyboard
Keep keyboard level with or slightly below elbow height. The elbows should form a 90-degree angle with your body from the shoulders. While keyboarding, try to hit the keys lightest possible.
Position of Mouse
Mouse position should be on the same level as the keyboard so that using of mouse does not create a twisted or reaching posture. To reduce the use of mouse use key commands and shortcuts as much as possible.
Room Lighting
Adjust room lighting as per day and night requirements. The most important aspect of lighting is to reduce glare and bright reflections from your screen, glass walls, or other reflective surfaces.
Position of Wrists, Hands, Head, and Shoulders
Keep yourself in Neutral Posture. Neutral posture is the position that is most effective with the least stress on the body. We can describe the Neutral posture as:
· Head straight, should never be bent ahead
· Back relaxed and supported, shoulders straight and relaxed
· Elbows close to the body, wrists and hands straight
· Never twist your hands and elbow. Keep wrists and fingers straight
· Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys
FACT TO KNOW
While working on a computer, take frequent short breaks and make posture changes. Stand up and stretch at regular intervals. Do not keep a water bottle near you. Instead, go to the water tap to get water.
Position of Chair
Use an ergonomic chair that provides good support to your hands and lower back. If an ergonomic chair is not available, use a pillow or rolled-up towel to provide lower back support. Use a footrest if your feet cannot touch the floor. Adjust your chair or work surface height to keep your arms and hands in a neutral position. The seat of the chair should be large enough to accommodate frequent changes in position. Try to adjust the computer tables or desks vertically so that it suits your height.
Care for Eyes
Scientists have studied that while looking at a computer monitor, on an average, people blink 1/3 as frequently than normal. This may lead your eyes to fatigue and dryness. Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point to give your eyes frequent rest.
Ergonomics for Laptop Users
· Do not put your laptop directly on your lap, heat related diseases can expose you
· Never block the laptop air vents. Do not allow other equipments like printers, stationary, notebook, etc to block the airflow.
· Do not let the laptop Ac adapter to touch your body or any heated surface.
Ergonomic Exercises for Computer Users
· Resting and refocusing your eyes: Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point for 2-3 minutes.
· Correct Posture: Try to sit in the neutral posture on an ergonomic chair.
· Exercise for your neck: Turn your neck to left and then bring back to the normal position. Similarly, do for right sides also. Follow same process for turning your neck up and down also.
· Wrist rotation: Stretch both your hands straight to the front and close the fist. Now, rotate both the fists together ten times clockwise, then anticlockwise.
Apart from these ergonomic exercises, you can go for jogging, walk, swimming, cycling, and other exercises. Enjoy computing!!!
· Improper or bad body posture
· Improper workstation setup
· Long periods of typing
· Incorrect work habits
· Stressful work conditions, and so on.
If you feel any persistent or recurring pain or discomfort that you think may be due to computer usage, consult a qualified physician immediately.
The science of comfortably adjusting the work environment to fit human body is Ergonomics. You should follow the principles of ergonomics while using your personal computer or laptop. Following the ergonomic principles can help you in following ways:
· You can work for long hours without getting strain
· Despite the workload, you would not feel body ache and uneasiness
· The quality of work and output improves
· Can optimally concentrate on your work thereby increase your efficiency
Major causes of body ache and strain, and their preventive measures are as follows:
· Improper body alignment: Set up your computer, notebook, table, and chair heights to fit you.
· Prolonged positions: One of the major injury risk factors is the static posture. Try to have a short break of 4-5 minutes every hour to shift positions, walk, stretch, and so on.
· Repetitive movements: Make variations while working so that you use different muscles. It helps you to keep a particular muscle away from strain.
· Inadequate vision: Go for an eye check every six months.
ERGONOMICS PRACTICES WHILE USING YOUR PC
Position of Monitor
The screen should be about 25 inches from your eyes, or about an arm's length. The top of the monitor should be at eye level because the eyes are at their most comfortable position straight ahead but slightly downward. This posture also makes it easiest to balance your head above your shoulders with the least muscular effort.
Screen Brightness and Color Scheme
Make sure there is no glare on the screen and it is dust free. Black characters against a light gray background are often easiest on the eyes for long periods. Adjust the contrast and brightness to create the brightest screen without blurring.
Position of Keyboard
Keep keyboard level with or slightly below elbow height. The elbows should form a 90-degree angle with your body from the shoulders. While keyboarding, try to hit the keys lightest possible.
Position of Mouse
Mouse position should be on the same level as the keyboard so that using of mouse does not create a twisted or reaching posture. To reduce the use of mouse use key commands and shortcuts as much as possible.
Room Lighting
Adjust room lighting as per day and night requirements. The most important aspect of lighting is to reduce glare and bright reflections from your screen, glass walls, or other reflective surfaces.
Position of Wrists, Hands, Head, and Shoulders
Keep yourself in Neutral Posture. Neutral posture is the position that is most effective with the least stress on the body. We can describe the Neutral posture as:
· Head straight, should never be bent ahead
· Back relaxed and supported, shoulders straight and relaxed
· Elbows close to the body, wrists and hands straight
· Never twist your hands and elbow. Keep wrists and fingers straight
· Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys
FACT TO KNOW
While working on a computer, take frequent short breaks and make posture changes. Stand up and stretch at regular intervals. Do not keep a water bottle near you. Instead, go to the water tap to get water.
Position of Chair
Use an ergonomic chair that provides good support to your hands and lower back. If an ergonomic chair is not available, use a pillow or rolled-up towel to provide lower back support. Use a footrest if your feet cannot touch the floor. Adjust your chair or work surface height to keep your arms and hands in a neutral position. The seat of the chair should be large enough to accommodate frequent changes in position. Try to adjust the computer tables or desks vertically so that it suits your height.
Care for Eyes
Scientists have studied that while looking at a computer monitor, on an average, people blink 1/3 as frequently than normal. This may lead your eyes to fatigue and dryness. Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point to give your eyes frequent rest.
Ergonomics for Laptop Users
· Do not put your laptop directly on your lap, heat related diseases can expose you
· Never block the laptop air vents. Do not allow other equipments like printers, stationary, notebook, etc to block the airflow.
· Do not let the laptop Ac adapter to touch your body or any heated surface.
Ergonomic Exercises for Computer Users
· Resting and refocusing your eyes: Periodically look away from the monitor and focus at a distant point for 2-3 minutes.
· Correct Posture: Try to sit in the neutral posture on an ergonomic chair.
· Exercise for your neck: Turn your neck to left and then bring back to the normal position. Similarly, do for right sides also. Follow same process for turning your neck up and down also.
· Wrist rotation: Stretch both your hands straight to the front and close the fist. Now, rotate both the fists together ten times clockwise, then anticlockwise.
Apart from these ergonomic exercises, you can go for jogging, walk, swimming, cycling, and other exercises. Enjoy computing!!!
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