== E-Learning and Health Issues ==
In terms of e-Learning, health issues that arise are related to the use of computers. Excessive time spent in front of computer screens can lead to four major health concerns – eye strain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, muscle stress and back pain. (Arbor 1993, 24)
Eye strain does not necessarily lead to eye damage but constant breaks in computer use ensure strain is kept to a minimum.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder of the hand, wrist and arm as a result of repetitive and awkward hand movements. The movements, such as those undertaken whilst using a computer keyboard or mouse, cause nerve compression. (2004, www.stayinginshape.com)
Muscle stress is a result of sitting in the same position with little movement for extensive periods of time and can be avoided with constant breaks involving walking away from computers.
Finally, back and neck pain may be experienced after computer use due to bad posture in a computer chair. Simple exercises done in the chair can decrease the possibility of experiencing back or neck pain.
By teaching children these habits from an early age, they are less likely to have long term health issues as a result of incorrect computer use.
Another major concern of health professionals and computer users is Electromagnetic Field emissions (EMF). The Electromagnetic field of a computer emits radiation from the back and sides of a machine and is an increasing source of health problems in children especially. (Arbor 1993, 24)
Children are proven to be five to ten times more vulnerable to radiation than adults. The areas most at risk of damage from exposure to radiation are bones, the Central Nervous System and the thyroid gland. (Arbor 1993, 24)
Strategically placing computer monitors against walls will reduce emissions, as will actions like installing detachable keyboards and mice. Moving devices such as display screen and disk drives more than 30 inches from keyboards have proven to reduce electromagnetic field emissions absorbed by the body.
Along with this comes even greater health concerns for wireless machines, which are thought to emit higher levels of radiation and cause serious birth defects and some forms of cancer. (Dvorak 1991, 81)
While computers are a major cause for health concerns today, it is the combination of use with other screen-based activities like television and video games that increases the chances of problems. By keeping time for these activities regulated each day, the possibility of health problems is reduced.
=== References ===
Anonymous. 2005. Computers and Health. www.stayinginshape.com. (accessed October 14, 2005).
Arbor, A. 1993. Are Computers Dangerous to Children’s Health? Education Digest, 58 (5): 24. (accessed October 3, 2005 from ProQuest database).
Dvorak, J. 1991. Wireless: The Facts. PC Magazine, 10 (10): 81. (accessed October 3, 2005 from ProQuest database).
=== Contributors ===
Stephanie Dodgson 09:38, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)
