by Matt Bird

Created on: June 08, 2009

Geeks are amazing creatures, especially when they're geared around computers. They can fix any harddrive, customize any database and trounce any video game, and all before lunch rolls around. Fantastic work.

Yet some computer geeks become so absorbed in their work that they tend to forget the world around them. They neglect their bodies to a near intolerable level, and considering they seldom go outside this is generally acceptable to them. But once a geek who's ignored his health has to detach himself from his computer and venture out into the wide world, watch out - he's probably gonna have a rough time of it.

Don't despair, geeks. You can keep up with your computing habits. There are just a few health needs you have to take care of in the meantime, and most of them are pretty easy. Here are some reminders that should keep your health on the up-and-up while you're messing around with your favorite technology.

- Shower or bathe once a day. And while you're in there, thoroughly scrub yourself down. One of the biggest stereotypes associated with geeks is their poor bodily hygiene, and it's all too often it's proved true by those who neglect their odor in favor of online pursuits. Don't fall into this trap. Soap, shampoo and a bit of deodorant afterwards will go a long way.

- Brush your teeth regularly. As a geek you likely grab a quick snack for meals and then head back to work, afterwards neglecting to show your teeth the attention they deserve. Every time you eat something you should probably follow it up with a quick brush.

- Speaking of meals, eat regularly. Don't neglect any of the food groups. Prepare normal, balanced meals, and resist the urge to constantly buy microwave dinners and snacks just because you have better things to do.

- Get outside. If only to relieve the strain on your eyes, get outside. Go for a walk every once in a while and get some exercise. A good exercise regimen is especially important if you sit in front of a computer all day, because you're almost certainly not doing any sweating and building your muscles there.

- Socialize. And not with people online, but real, flesh and bloody type specimens. You'll start to go a bit batty mentally if you rely on text boxes and online forums online.

- Get an ergonomic keyboard. Long hours of typing starts to hurt. Relieve the strain on your wrists by elevating them while you work, and be sure to sit upright in your chair. Beware slouching, as well, as it can permanently wreck your posture.

- And, for those geeks who use a laptop, don't sit it on your lap, despite what the name suggests. Laptops give off a lot of heat that can lead to infertility. You may be a loner geek now, but who says you will be forever?

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