Don't Get Zapped By Your Computer

February 1994--Berkeley, CA--Cruising the information superhighway, or
simply sitting in front of your computer, can be hazardous to your health.
In fact, many more of us are hurt by our computers each year--now upwards
of ten million Americans--than by motor vehicle accidents. With over 50
million desktop computers in the U.S. and the number growing rapidly, this
so-called "epidemic of modern times" is just beginning to attract the
attention it deserves.

Now there's a new book that tackles the critical issues of computer-related
health from A to Z. Zap!: How your computer can hurt you-and what you can
do about it (Peachpit Press, $12.95, 150 pp.) provides a comprehensive and
even-handed survey of the problem. Succinctly written by documentary
filmmaker Don Sellers (after three years of exhaustive research), this
unusually accessible and heavily illustrated book covers everything from
eyestrain to pregnancy issues to carpal tunnel syndrome to back problems.

Zap! suggests hundreds of remedies and resources to help us cope with the
information age. Computers are helping us work faster; now Zap! can help
us work smarter--and healthier.

Scope of the problem:

** Cumulative trauma disorders. More than four million of America's
computer users suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (in the wrists) and
other painful cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). These injuries can cause
pain and discomfort, and at their worst, permanent disability. (source:
CTDNews)

** The fastest-growing complaint. 61% of occupational illness was
attributed to CTDs m 1991, up dramatically from only 18 percent in 1981
(includes all occupational-related CTDs, not just computer-derived;
source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

** Most-common surgery. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is the most
common operation performed under workers' compensation. Unfortunately, 30%
of these cases report poor to fair results (source: Journal of the
American Medical Association).

** Monitor radiation. Debate rages about the dangers of radiation from
computer monitors. Some experts contend that such radiation can cause
leukemia and increase chances of miscarriage, while others dismiss these
contentions as unsupportable.

** The costs of computer injury. Treating a single case of back pain costs
about $24,000; and carpal tunnel syndrome, $29,000 (source: The National
Council on Compensation Insurance.). A rough estimate of the economic
impact of these problems amounts to tens of billions of dollars. The cost
to business could reach upwards of 100 billion dollars a year, if all
those suffering from computer-related CTDs sought treatment. That's quite
a dent in our gross domestic product, not to mention the countless hours
of personal suffering--much of it preventable.

What's covered in Zap!

** Zap! includes the most current, comprehensive and constructive analysis
of computer-related health hazards and solutions available.

** Zap! discusses all major facets of the problem, including: monitor
radiation * pain and injury in the hands, wrists, and arms * pregnancy *
furniture and ergonomics * keyboards and mice * kids' concerns * eyestrain
* exercise * office ecology medications * getting medical help * and much
more.

** Zap! is built around short, easily-accessible chapters, heavily
illustrated, and punctuated throughout with sidebars, pullquotes, and
photographs to make reading interesting, entertaining, and informative.

** Zap! provides a comprehensive list of dozens of resources, including:
furniture manufacturers * software developers accessory sources *
newsletters * books * government agencies associations * online resources
* and many more.

** Zap! is a wise investment for any computer user or manager.

Author Don Sellers has spent three years researching, writing and editing
Zap! A Stanford-trained documentary filmmaker, Don has interviewed dozens
of experts and reviewed all major studies on the subject. He's traveled
the world working on PBS documentaries, including Frontline, Discover, and
The AIDS Quarterly. Veteran computer journalist. Stephen Roth served as
the book's editor.

Price: $12.95 * Size: 160 pages; 7" x 9" * ISBN: 1-56609-021-0

Peachpit Press
2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
800-283-9444,  510-548-4393,  fax 510-548-5991

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