By Hong Xinyi

This week, MYB talks to experts on what other hazards you may encounter in the workplace. For example, find out why you may still need sunscreen protection in the office.

Light brigade

Being indoors may not shield you from the harmful effects of sun exposure if you have a window seat. UVA rays, which cause skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin with prolonged exposure, can penetrate glass windows.

'If you sit next to a large window, it is definitely beneficial to consider the application of a window film or UV ray absorber to reduce the amount of harmful rays,' said Dr Eileen Tan of Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic.

Or you could just apply sunscreen that has at least two plus signs (PA++), which mean it has higher protection against UVA rays.

Any glare from your computer screen can also make for sore, tired eyes, especially when you are looking at the screen for long periods with no breaks. Those who wear contact lenses may also find that the heat from the computer makes their eyes feel drier.

Dr Lee Jong Jian, a specialist in ophthalmology at Raffles Hospital, said eye strain is marked by symptoms such as soreness of the eyes, headaches, blurry vision and dry, itching or burning eyes. So remember to take those micro breaks, to rest your eyes.

Banish bacteria

Air-conditioning systems and cooling towers are potential breeding grounds for slime, sludge and organisms, all of which can cause major health and maintenance problems, said DrBenjamin Ng, an occupational physician at Raffles Medical.

In fact, any system that creates moist air can be a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which causes symptoms like fever, chills and muscle aches.

Poorly ventilated areas, where a condensating air conditioner can spread bacteria throughout the entire room, are particularly hazardous although air-conditioning systems that are regularly maintained should be safe.

Bacteria can also be easily deposited on a telephone's mouthpiece through saliva that escapes when you speak.

'Every time someone picks up the phone, their mouth acts as a vacuum, inhaling bacteria and airborne transmittable diseases. These bacteria may live for days, breeding in this moist, dark place,' said Dr Ng.

Cleaning it with alcohol helps. So does washing your hands or using a hand sanitiser after using a telephone. Steps to minimise your exposure to pollutants include the use of mats at door entrances to trap pollutants, use of high-efficiency filters in vacuums, immediate cleaning of body fluid spills, and use of non-toxic cleaning agents.

Feet alert

Women who adore matching sleek, high heels to their corporate wear probably already know that heels higher than one inch are more likely to result in twisted ankles and lower back pain. Heels with cramped fronts, like those in pointy styles, are also more likely to cause toe deformities like bunions.

Even chic ballet flats are not as sensible an option as one might think.

'Ballet flats are very flexible and offer very little support for your feet. They allow your feet to have a lot more movement within the shoes and are thus very unstable,' said podiatrist Helen Crawford of Osteopathy and Podiatry.

Some people have tougher feet than others, she added, so there is no predicting how long you can afford to wear heels and flats before your feet start to show signs of wear and tear. However, if you believe prevention is better than cure, look out for shoes with ankle straps, laces and roomy toe space to minimise the chances of tortured feet.

If you have a habit of walking barefooted around your carpeted office during more informal periods of the workday, beware the possibility of catching infections from bacteria in the carpet.

Said Dr Ng: 'Everything that touches the bottom of your shoes is deposited in the carpet. Fleas and insects can also breed there, along with dust mites that feed on animal dander or any other dead skin that finds its way into the carpeting. Carpet that is wet for prolonged periods creates an environment conducive to unhealthy bacteria, mould and allergen growth.'

Getting infected by walking barefoot is more likely, said Dr Crawford, if your feet are very dry or very moist. This makes it more likely that your feet have tiny cracks known as microfissures, which can be prone to infection.

If your feet are in good condition, however, walking barefooted on a carpeted floor is actually better for your feet than wearing shoes, said Dr Crawford.

Alternatively, consider slipping on a pair of comfy sandals with ankle straps for pacing around the office. No slippers though - they are just as structurally unsound as flimsy ballet flats.

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This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.

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Part 1