Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify common health issues from using ICT tools.
• Evaluate the setup of a workstation.
• Suggest solutions to improve health and safety.
• Recognize the importance of good posture and breaks.

Lesson summary

In Ghana today, we use ICT tools like smartphones, tablets, and computers more than ever before—for schoolwork, communicating with family on WhatsApp, playing games, or working at an internet cafe. While these tools are very useful, using them for long periods without care can cause serious problems for our bodies. This lesson will teach us how to identify, understand, and prevent the health issues that can arise from using computers and other devices. This knowledge is not just for an exam; it is a life skill that will protect your health now and in any future job that involves using a computer, from being a bank teller to a graphic designer.

Lesson notes

This lesson focuses on ergonomics, which is the science of designing and arranging things people use so that they can interact with them most efficiently and safely. A "workstation" is simply the area where you work with your computer or device, including your chair, desk, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A. Major Health Issues at Workstations

There are three main categories of health problems we need to evaluate. Musculoskeletal Problems (Problems with Muscles and Bones)

This is the most common category of injury. It is often caused by poor posture and staying in the same position for too long. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This is a general term for pain felt in muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. Causes: Typing or using a mouse for hours without a break, using a poorly designed keyboard, or gripping the mouse too tightly. Symptoms: Pain, aching, or tenderness in the wrists, hands, shoulders, and neck. Numbness or tingling sensations. Ghanaian Context Example: A student who spends hours typing a school project at an internet cafe without taking breaks might start feeling a sharp pain in their wrist. Back and Neck Pain: This is directly related to your sitting position. Causes: Slouching in your chair, using a chair with no back support, placing the monitor too low (forcing you to look down) or too high. Looking down at a phone for a long time causes what is now called "Tech Neck". Symptoms: Aches and stiffness in the lower or upper back, sharp pain in the neck and shoulders. Ghanaian Context Example: A Mobile Money agent who sits on a simple plastic stool all day, leaning forward to attend to customers, is at high risk for severe back pain. Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome - CVS)

This refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, and mobile phone use. Causes: Screen Glare: Light from windows or overhead lights reflecting off the screen. Poor Lighting: Working in a room that is too dark or too bright. Improper Viewing Distance: Sitting too close to or too far from the screen. Not Blinking Enough: When we stare at screens, we tend to blink less, which makes our eyes dry. Symptoms: Sore, tired, or burning eyes; blurred or double vision; watery or dry eyes; headaches. Practical Tip - The 20-20-20 Rule: This is an easy way to prevent eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This allows your eye muscles to relax. Stress and Mental Fatigue