Online poker can be addictive with players often logging hours and hours in front of their computer screens. Obviously, spending so much time playing online poker can be dangerous to wallet as well as your social life. It also presents specific threats to your physical health that can be avoided with a little forethought and preventative action.

First of all, make sure you stay nourished and hydrated. If you’re the type who can play for hours without getting up, then keep healthy snacks and drinks on hand. Hunger and dehydration will interfere with your thinking and can cause you to go on tilt.

Beyond basic food and hydration, you have to think about your chair and proper positioning of your equipment to avoid repetitive strain injuries and poor posture which can lead to back pain. Your chair should supply both upper and lower back support, and the height should be adjustable. You should sit up straight with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Continual slouching in your chair can lead to chronic back problems so don’t fall into this sloppy habit.

You arm should be bent at a 90 degree angle at the elbow so your forearm is pointed fairly straight on the mouse. The screen should be at eye level. If you have to look up or down, you are going to strain your neck and eyes.

Most importantly, get up and take breaks at least every two hours. Stand up, roll your shoulders, move about a bit to shake off stiffness. If you are going to play online poker for hours at a time, then these simple precautions can save you a lot of misery down the line at the casino.

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