Fighting the Dreaded Computer Operator Spread
Years ago, they used to call it the “Secretary’s Spread.” Now, it’s the “Computer Operator’s Spread” — and hits most of us because we have to use computers.
What I’m talking about is our growing size of our duffs from sitting on our butts all day in front of the screen.
It’s easy to become a victim of the dreaded spread, especially when our income comes from working at the computer. I know for myself, I spend at least 60 hours a week in front of the desktop. In MSN’s Money and Finance Article, “How Much Do Bloggers Make?”, one of the more successful bloggers earning $30,000 a year works at his computer 14 hours a day on week days, and another 9 hours a day on weekends. Digital Trends reports that 65% of Americans spend more time on their computers than with their significant other — and at least 12 hours of that per month is spent fixing computer problems.
Whether it’s in front of the computer, in front of the television or in front of a desk, we spend a lot of time sitting around. And that slows down our metabolism, according to a report by Dr. Marc Hamilton. For those of us who make a living with our computers, it’s easy to fall to temptation and eat at our desks so we can get more done. But that, coupled with the slow metabolism from just sitting around, just adds to the dreaded spread, making us embarrassingly fat and out of shape.
Faced with big workloads and not a lot of time to get things done, the diet pill solution holds appeal to many facing the dreaded computer user’s spread. If we could just pop a pill and shed those pounds, life would be good! Business Week studied this trend and found that Americans spend $40 billion a year on weight-loss programs and products. Among the different diet pills out there, Phentermine is touted to be one of the most effective. Approved by the FDA back in 1959, this drug is used to suppress the appetite. There are several reported side effects, such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, and an elevated heart rate. Because of its side effects, the drug is available by prescription only. An online company called Consumer Price Watch has taken a hard core look at various diet pills on the market, comparing prices and allowing users to report their experiences. For instance, a lady writes, “I have used the Phentermine 37.5 I loved it and I lost all the weight that I wanted. Then I stopped and gained it all back and then some. I hate myself and need your help.”
My personal opinion is that it will take a heck of a lot more than diet pills to win the battle against the computer user’s spread. Chiefly, it involves moving around! Here are some of my observations:
- Get out at least one day a week, if not more, to hike, get the yard cleaned up, or some other physical activity. Not only will you burn calories, but you’ll connect with friends and family. Exercise and spending time outdoors lifts depression and mental “funk.”
- Don’t eat at your desk. Ever.
- Don’t drink at your desk unless it’s water (or coffee or tea, without the sugary calories).
- Take a “real” lunch break of at least half an hour. If you don’t want to eat, jump on the treadmill, dust and vacuum your office, or take a walk.
I like to keep some free weights at my desk and my “6 Second Abs” cruncher. I can use these when I’m on the phone or reading something that’s online.
No matter what, tackle the “computer operator’s spread” now before you have a heart condition or develop diabetes. As fun and useful as computers are, they do not warrant killing us. In short, whether you run a home business or just spend a lot of your spare time at the computer, take a break and go do something!
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