Bài đọc hiểu 17: The health risks of prolonged computer use

Cấp độ: B1 (Intermediate).

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Working on the computer is very tough on your body, which is not used to this modern type of work. Sitting has long been known to cause back pain and negatively influence circulation, which can promote cardiovascular disease. Extensive use of the keyboard and mouse can lead to stiffening of the muscles in your hands, arms, and neck, as well as inflammation and injuries. Staring at a bright screen for too long can cause dry eyes and headaches. Finally, computer work can be stressful, isolating, and lead to depression and anxiety. In other words, working on the computer is as unhealthy a job as you can imagine.

First and foremost, sitting for long stretches of time is a very serious health risk! Sitting affects your blood circulation, your back experiences a steady stress, you are more likely to drink and eat stuff that isn’t good for you, and you burn very little calories, making it more likely that you overeat. As a result, sitting contributes to a host of conditions, most notably gaining weight, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and consequently a shortened life span.

Second, bad posture causes pain. You can develop bad posture from anything you do habitually, whether it’s sitting, standing, or walking. Your daily activities have an impact on your body and shape your muscles; they either tighten or become weak. The typical consequences associated with bad posture while working on the computer are pain in the back, shoulder, and neck, often resulting in tension headaches.

Third, staring at the screen causes eye strain. Staring at a bright screen for hours can lead to eye fatigue or eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, burning, itching or tearing eyes, and temporary vision disorders. Fortunately, eye strain rarely results in a permanent condition and symptoms can be prevented or cured rather easily.

Last, but not least, emotional pressure and isolation cause anxiety and depression. Computers are very efficient tools in that they help us with getting more work done in less time. At the same time, you spend less face-to-face time with your colleagues, family, or friends. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and depression, i.e. both physical and mental health issues. The symptoms are manifold and can include tense muscles, back pain, headaches, poor sleep (insomnia), increased or flat breathing, quickened pulse, and generally signs of stress, depression, or anxiety.

500 Bài Luyện Đọc Hiểu – Đọc Điền Tiếng Anh by Trang Anh

NEW VOCABULARY:

circulation (n): tuần hoàn, lưu thông.

cardiovascular (adj): liên quan đến tim mạch

stiffening (adj): bị cứng

inflammation (n): vết sưng đỏ, sưng tấy

isolating (adj): bị cô đơn, cô lập.

steady (adj): đều đều liên tục

diabetes (n): bệnh tiểu đường

posture (n): tư thế

tension (n): căng thẳng

fatigue (n): mệt mỏi, kiệt sức

temporary (dj): tạm thời

permanent (adj): vĩnh viễn.

manifold (adj): nhiều thể loại

flat breathing (n): thở không sâu.

QUESTIONS:

Question 1: According to the passage, human body is NOT________working on the computer.

A. adaptive to B. familiar with C. successful in D. capable of

Question 2: The word “cardiovascular” in paragraph 1 means connected with _________.

A. the limbs and their muscles B. the brain and the nerve system

C. the heart and the blood vessels D. the lungs and the breathing organs

Question 3: What is NOT mentioned as a cause of health issues related to working on the computer?

A. Working from home B. Lacking direct human contacts

C. Sitting for a long time D. Looking at the screen for hours

Question 4: What is NOT mentioned as being affected by sitting for long?

A. Your blood circulation B. Your back muscles

C. Your eye-sight D. Your eating habits

Question 5: Which of the followings can best replace the word “eye strain” in paragraph 4?

A. Eye disease B. Eye fatigue C. Eye stress D. Eye trouble

Question 6: It can be inferred from the passage that emotional and physical issues are ___________.

A. easy to cure B. permanent C. pressing D. inseparable

Question 7: According to the passage, all the mentioned issues are __________ .

A. simple B. controversial C. preventable D. international

Question 8: What is the organization of the passage?

A. Causes and effects B. Problems and solutions

C. Advantages and disadvantages D. Comparing and contrasting