Young men and women are full of dreams to build their lives, fully engaged in work to acquire what they desire, whether it's small personal items or even a house and a car. Some even work tirelessly, day and night, to increase their income, making it a habit. But did you know that working too hard or being overly stressed can lead to silent but dangerous threats that you might not even be aware of? These silent threats are various diseases. So, what are the common diseases that salarymen like us should be aware of? Let's take a look.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For salarymen who regularly use computers, this disease is a significant concern. The constant use of the wrist in the same position and heavy usage, such as typing on a keyboard or using a mouse that rubs against the desk, can lead to this condition. The most common cause is improper keyboard usage, which can compress nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, or burning pain from the fingers to the palm and possibly extending to the shoulders.
 
If these symptoms are not severe, they can be treated with heat therapy or massage on the affected area, along with stretching exercises. Additionally, it's essential to adjust your mouse and keyboard usage to the correct posture. However, if symptoms are severe, a doctor should be consulted for treatment, which may include anti-inflammatory medications or surgery.

2. Work-Related Attention Deficit Disorder

This condition is another common issue that anyone can experience. The reason is that salarymen often work in a stressful and chaotic environment, having to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. If we do not change this behavior or continue to work in this repetitive cycle, we may find it challenging to focus for extended periods, leading to low patience and decreased work efficiency.
 
To prevent becoming attention-deficit due to work, it's crucial to take breaks and manage time effectively. Additionally, try to engage in conversations with colleagues to relax while working. If symptoms become severe to the point where you cannot focus on any task, consulting a psychiatrist for serious treatment is advisable.

3. Blurred Vision and Dry Eyes

Nowadays, almost no profession can avoid using computers, especially for salarymen, making it difficult to escape staring at a computer screen. Some may find themselves staring at the screen for 8-10 hours a day, leading to eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. If you work in an air-conditioned room with dry air, you should be particularly cautious about dry eyes, as inflammation can lead to eye infections.
 
Since computers are now a part of your daily life, the best way to prevent blurred vision and dry eyes is to take regular breaks from the screen every 1-2 hours. Stepping away to relax or looking at greenery can also help.

4. Obesity

This disease does not only stem from overeating. According to a recent survey by Herbalife on "Nutrition in the Workplace," salarymen are at risk of obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle spent sitting at desks for long periods, leading to little physical movement. Moreover, some may feel sleepy or hungry after sitting for too long, prompting them to snack frequently without exercising, contributing to obesity. Stress can also lead to weight gain, as our brains release stress hormones that stimulate fat cells in the abdomen to accumulate more. As we know, obesity can lead to various diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and clogged arteries.
 
Therefore, those at risk should change their habits for better health by moving their bodies and getting up from their desks every 1-2 hours, such as walking to the restroom or taking a coffee break. Try to avoid snacking throughout the day and focus on main meals instead. If you feel hungry, opt for fruits or yogurt.

5. Urinary Tract Infection

Let's hear it for those who have to sit through long meetings or during a burst of inspiration but hesitate to get up to use the restroom! However, this behavior is highly discouraged as it can lead to urinary tract infections. Some may think that drinking less water will prevent frequent bathroom trips, but little do they know that insufficient water intake can also cause urinary tract infections. This is because bacteria in our bodies are not expelled and can multiply, leading to infection and inflammation. Initial symptoms include burning pain in the lower abdomen during urination, feeling of incomplete urination, and frequent urges to urinate.

To avoid this condition, do not hold your urine for extended periods or drink too little water. Aim to drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily.

6. Office Syndrome

This condition arises from various causes, such as sitting in front of a computer or performing repetitive tasks, improper working posture, or unsuitable working environments and equipment. This can lead to general muscle pain that becomes chronic, including numbness in the arms or hands due to continuous pressure on peripheral nerves.
 
To prevent office syndrome, engage in appropriate exercises. For those who frequently experience shoulder pain, try shoulder exercises by lifting your shoulders to the maximum and holding for a count of 10, then lowering them completely and holding again for a count of 10. Stretching or changing positions to relax muscles at least every hour is also beneficial.

7. Depression

This is one of the increasingly common conditions in today's urban society, affecting mental health more than physical health directly. Risk factors for this condition stem from stress, pressure, and social relationships within the organization that may create tension with colleagues, accumulating until it leads to depression. This condition can be treated effectively; the most crucial aspect is to follow the doctor's treatment plan to improve and eventually recover. Take prescribed medications consistently, change your lifestyle, and cooperate with therapists in treatment. Additionally, patients can manage their condition by not setting overly ambitious work goals, organizing daily tasks, journaling feelings, and exercising to relieve stress, as these behaviors can help overcome the condition.

Working hard is commendable, but overworking to the point of deteriorating health can impact us in many ways. Instead of spending the money earned on enjoyable things, we may end up spending it on medications and medical expenses. Therefore, salarymen who work too hard should remember to find time to relax, take breaks, and exercise for better health.

SOURCE: www.krungsri.com
 
Thanks for the information from
gedgoodlife.com,
siphhospital.com,
wealthmeup.com,
parrythailand.com,
manulife.co.th,
bangkokbiznews.com