Certified accessible web site design for those with visual impairment.

OFFICE Workers at Risk of DVT

OFFICE workers are more at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than passengers on long-distance flights, startling new research says.

The South Australian "Sunday Mail" reports that "Sitting immobile at a desk for hours at a time will be revealed as a major risk factor for so-called 'economy-class syndrome'."

Dr Christopher Ward, of the department of haemotology at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, said he had encountered cases of DVT among IT workers who did "crazy hours".

"Prolonged immobilisation is not good for you," he said.

Reduce Your Risk

If you are in a job that requires long hours at a desk be sure to get up and walk around for 5 or 10 minutes every hour or more frequently.  Not only will this reduce your risk of DVT, but your concentration will improve too.

Working on a computer consistently distorts our sense of time passing and what may seem like a short time sitting can easily turn into 2 or 3 hours.

There is a range of software applications on the market that are designed to remind PC users to take a break at regular intervals.  This helps to prevent overuse symptoms, and back and neck disorders.  However it would seem that preventing DVT could be another unexpected benefit.

Maintaining our wellbeing is an investment in our future.  Sometimes a simple strategy such as taking breaks and mobility are critical to looking after ourselves.

Take a break - come back refreshed!