If you are overly obsessed with and constantly using your laptop day in and day out, it’s time to reconsider. The primary purpose of a laptop is to provide convenience for mobility, not to serve as a stationary work tool all day long. Overusing your laptop can put your body in a concerning state.
Health Risks
A recent article in the online technology magazine Cnet discussed the case of Ram Viswanadha, a software engineer working in Silicon Valley, USA, who had to take three months off due to muscle strain from excessive laptop use in a repetitive posture over four years.
In Vietnam, some doctors and occupational safety experts have reported that they have not encountered similar cases attributed to the aforementioned reasons. Even in developed countries, cases like Viswanadha’s are still relatively rare and represent the worst-case scenario that could arise from laptop overuse.
However, international experts have warned that as laptops become increasingly common, the likelihood of such cases appearing may rise.
According to Dr. Nguyen The Cong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Science, while there have been no extensive studies in Vietnam regarding the health impacts of laptops, using scientific extrapolation, one can observe potential risks associated with laptop overuse.
Firstly, laptop users tend to view the screen up close (leading to eye strain) and use smaller keyboards compared to desktop computers (resulting in wrist and finger strain).
Secondly, the design of laptops places the keyboard and screen close together, leaving users with two equally harmful options: either place the laptop low for comfortable arm positioning, which requires bending the neck to see the screen, or raise the screen to eye level, which puts strain on the shoulders and arms.
Based on standard occupational health requirements for computers in general, it is evident that laptop overuse will lead to discomfort and pain, potentially even more so than desktop computers.
Laptops have been introduced to our country for a long time, but their relatively high price (currently around 1,000 USD each) has kept them from becoming truly widespread. It is only recently that laptops have started to create a buzz as more people seek to leverage technology and have higher incomes. With their stylish appearance, compactness, convenience, quality, and high processing speed, laptops have captivated many users, leading some to replace their desktops with laptops—a significant mistake that contradicts basic computer usage posture rules.
These rules have been widely discussed in the media and are known by many, yet most likely think they only apply to desktops, with few recognizing the importance of using laptops correctly.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
How you position yourself while using a laptop is just as important for your health as any other working posture.
According to Dr. Ngo Van Toan, Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Department at Viet Duc Hospital, any deviation from normal physiological posture can lead to musculoskeletal deformities and discomfort, potentially resulting in injuries. However, what is concerning is that many people are unaware of the hidden risks associated with laptops. A director of an IT company recently complained to a doctor that he often feels fatigued from using a laptop all day in the office. Clearly, even someone working in IT may not be aware of certain peripheral devices designed for laptops and their necessity to prevent bodily harm.
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The typical laptop usage posture causes the body and neck to bend (left). Using a stand allows users to maintain a comfortable position. |
If you absolutely must use a laptop instead of a desktop, consider using a specialized stand, an external keyboard, and a mouse. These tools allow you to adjust the screen to eye level (approximately 20 degrees below the horizontal eye line and about 50 cm from the eyes), while keeping your arms and hands in a natural position. Using a cushion and a cooling pad (some specially designed with fans) can help reduce the risks posed by the heat from the laptop.
There have been cases worldwide of laptop users suffering burns. Additionally, doctors have warned that men using laptops on their laps may experience reduced fertility due to the heat.
Just like with desktop computers, when using a laptop, it’s important to take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch and relieve muscle tension. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can also mitigate health risks. Lastly, it’s crucial to know when to shut down and end your workday. Don’t take advantage of the portability of laptops to bring work with you everywhere, especially home.
