Gelisim News

With the arrival of the summer months, the need for cooling with air conditioning increases. Indicating that muscle spasms and related pain may occur when exposed to artificial cooling and sudden cold air in the neck, back and waist area that are sweating in hot environment, conditioners Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Istanbul Gelisim University Asst. Prof. Gülşah Kınalı said: “Office workers are in an important risk group. In workplaces, the most important cause of workday loss in summer is muscle retention and pain due to air conditioning shock.”

“SUITABLE VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT FOR WORKPLACE”

Stating that “Musculoskeletal diseases are among the most important causes of workday losses”, Asst. Prof. Gülşah Kınalı added: “Known and accepted ergonomic risk factors such as heavy load carrying, repetitive movements, excessive bending and squatting, as well as proper ventilation are important elements in workplace ergonomics. The workplaces should have windows that can provide adequate air intake, and for indoor working environments, systems such as air conditioning to provide adequate ventilation are required.”
 
“AIR CONDITIONING ADJUSTMENT IN 22 - 23 DEGREE IS ENOUGH”
 
Noting that existing air conditioners should be positioned and used in a way that does not cause muscle retention and pain, Kınalı continued: “The air conditioner setting should be 22 - 23 degrees. Using a cooler degree will increase the risk of muscle retention and pain. Perspiration due to extremely hot environment and thus switching to a cold environment or turning on the air conditioner again increases the risk. The positioning of the air conditioner should not be directed directly to the person, but should be adjusted to the ceiling if possible. In this way, sudden cold air can be prevented. Employees sitting in an air-conditioned environment can protect their neck and shoulders with a shawl or a thin towel. It is always helpful to take a break at the beginning of every hour and to perform simple office exercises during the day. They can get consultancy support from occupational therapists on the subject.”
 
“AIR CONDITIONER USED IN VEHICLES MAY CAUSE FACIAL PARALYSIS”
 
Kınalı stating that the use of air conditioning, which is preferred by the vehicle drivers in the summer months, may cause facial paralysis, said: “Drivers who drive individual vehicles and especially long-distance drivers face neck, back and waist stiffness due to extreme cold air conditioners. However, prolonged exposure to cold air, especially close to the ear in the face area, leads to facial paralysis which results in cosmetic and functional losses that last for a long time. Facial paralysis is popularly known as driver's disease”.
 
ATTENTION TO FACE PAINS

Asst. Prof. Kınalı stated that the basic measures listed for office workers are also valid for drivers and concluded her speech as follows:

“Appropriate adjustment of the air conditioners of the vehicle, direct air flow to the face and ear area without turning, 10 minutes before the start of the journey to provide adequate cooling and air conditioning will reduce risks. Long road drivers should pay attention to the break times and should not neglect the necessary break times. Facial paralysis symptoms include facial pain, headache and dizziness, ear pain, tinnitus, and speech difficulties. When these symptoms are felt, they should not be underestimated and should be referred to a health institution. Damage can be minimized by physiotherapy and rehabilitation program after the first intervention. Severe conditions or non-healing facial paralysis may require surgical intervention.”