Health Tips for Programmers

Programmers are definitely part of a work place demographic not known for being stereotypically healthy.  You sit all day, repetitively use your fingers in ways they weren't designed, stare at an artificially lit object, in an artificially lit room, and probably are munching on some artificial food while washing it down with an artificial liquid.  Can you spell recipe for disaster over the long haul? 

I stumbled upon a great article by a programmer who used to be in the army, and over the years figured out how to maintain his health, even while sitting all day. The article is long but here are the general maladies he provides some advice on:

• Pain in your wrists from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
• Problems with your eyes from staring at moving print for extended periods.
• Back problems from poor posture, especially in the lower back and upper shoulders.
• Bowel and urinary issues from not crapping and pissing when you should.
• Dehydration from drinking too much caffeine and not enough water.
• Problems with hemorrhoids and the prostate from sitting too much. Yep, I'm gonna go there.
• Vitamin D deficiency from lack of sunshine.
• Sleeping disorders from staying up late and drinking too much coffee.
• General stiffness and soreness from a lack of stretching in general.

As mentioned, the article is a bit longer, but if anything, a good read and hopefully you'll take away one or two things to change in your daily routine.

At HubSpot, taking a break to do something active is highly encouraged (we have people who run, play basketball and squash), in addition to making sure you have an environment that's ergonomic and comfortable for you. 

One day they might approve my request for a retractable roof so I can get my Vitamin D while coding, but in the meantime, I'll settle for a jog in the summer sun at lunch time. 

Now get up for 5 minutes or stretch before reading the article, you'll feel better.

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