George Angus, Tumblemoose Writer

Most all professions have their inherent health or safety risks, and writing is no different.  Sure, they may be more mundane then having your Fire Truck flip over on the way to a call, but there are risks none the less.  Here is a list of health hazards and how to minimize the risks:

• Repetitive stress injuries – I’m talking about things like the dreaded carpal tunnel amongst others.  A writer spends literally hours every day repeating the same motions with their hands.  This is a prime breeding ground for these types of injuries.

What you can do: Evaluate your work area.  Check the keyboard height and placement to ensure that the wrists are in line and have a minimal amount of bend to them.  Invest in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.  Consider a trackball or other similar device.  For you on the go types, be conscious of your hand placement while holding and texting with your mobile device.  Also, as soon as you notice any signs such as pain or swelling, get checked out

• Back Strain – Is your “throne” a dilapidated hand-me-down?  Given the amount of time you spend sitting there it is easy to see that the wrong chair can create problems.  Posture is important as well and can contribute to back injuries.

What you can do: Invest in a proper chair that has good support, is comfortable and adjustable.  Make certain your monitor is at an appropriate height.  Finally, get up!  Ten minutes of each hour should find you on your feet.  Walk a little, do some minor stretching exercises.

• The dreaded “roids” – Just ask any long haul trucker – this is something you don’t want. The amount of time spent in your chair can lead to problems with hemorrhoids.  Uncomfortable at best, they can also lead to other health issues.

What you can do: A good, comfortable chair is an excellent starting point.  If you are prone to this condition there are different kinds of support rings that will minimize problems (look for them in the maternity section).  Also, remember the ten minute rule and get up for a period of time out of each hour.  if you develop this condition, talk with an MD about other solutions as well.

• Eye strain – staring at a monitor for 7 or 8 hours a day can really have an effect on your eye comfort and vision.

What you can do: Make sure your monitor is at a proper height and distance.  Get an eye exam every year and make certain your prescription is up to date.  Throw vanity out the window, and if you need to increase the font sizes then do so.

• Hearing loss – If you insist on writing with music in the background (like so many of us do), then lose the headphones if possible.  Long term exposure can have a detrimental effect on your hearing.

What you can do: Like I said, lose the headset.  This is especially important if you use ear buds.  Invest in a docking station for your iPod.  If you have to use a headset because of your particular writing environment, invest in an over the ear type and try to minimize the volume.

• Smoking (and other vices) – When you are in your writing space, when you are creating, it is very easy to get lost in what you are doing.  Smokers will have a tendency to smoke more, drinkers the same.

What you can do: Of course the best solution is the most obvious, but I’m a writer not a preacher.  Do what you can to minimize these things in your writing area.  There are plenty of resources to help you do so.

• Vitamin deficiency – If your writing area is in a dark cubby of the back bedroom you probably don’t get enough exposure to the sun and vitamin D

What you can do: Natural supplements may help to invigorate you and are something you should probably consider on a daily basis anyway.  During your ten minute breaks, try and get out of doors for a bit and breath a little fresh air, with the warm rays of the sun recharging your internal batteries.

• Depression – Day after day of minimal exposure to other humans can take a toll.  We need interaction, we need to have a balance between alone time and social activities.  The causes for depression can be many, but writers seem to have more than their fair share.  Maybe it’s because of our sensitive side.

What you can do: Strive for balance. Remember the old adage about all work and no play.  Get out and do something that’s not got a thing to do with writing.  Time spent with family and friends can be precious and worthwhile. Keep things in perspective.  It seems like some clients are brought into our lives just to test our resolve about staying out of prison.  As much as possible keep a positive spin on things.

• Putting on the pounds – Much of what we do as writers is sedentary activity.  We don’t move around much.  It is not what folks would consider an active occupation.  If you transition to a writing career after a fairly busy and active occupation, you could start becoming a paperweight.

What you can do: Pay attention to your weight.  You don’t have to be obsessed, just pay attention.  Get out and exercise as much as you can.  Short walks can clear the mind and the soul and have great health benefits.  Try and keep some healthy munchies near the writing area and lose the giant M&Ms decanter.

Writing is certainly not the most hazardous occupation but there can be some pretty serious health consequences if you’re not paying attention.  So, pay attention.  You want to be doing this for a long time, I’d love to see you do this for a long time.