CHENNAI: Big pay packets in the IT sector come with a catch — ill-health. Stressful work cycles, long hours in front of the computer and haphazard diets seem to taking a toll of the health of youth. The ugly face of the lifestyle of IT workers is now baring itself — health problems ranging from the all too common gastric discomfort to diabetes and cholesterol-related problems.

"Data from a survey we undertook at a leading IT firm presented a disturbing picture, especially among those in the 23-40 age group," said Dr. Sheela Viswanath, microbiologist at Orion Laborataries.In several IT firms, employees had not undergone a health check up in six years or more. There were no workout sections or recreational rooms in many leading companies, Dr. Viswanath said.

Mental scars

Stress-induced anxiety and depression were common, said Sangeetha Madhu, clinical psychologist and e-counsellor for IT companies. Long working hours, near-impossible project deadlines and an all-consuming commitment to work were leaving mental scars on several young professionals.

"Many youngsters develop somatic problems like aches," Dr. Madhu said. Also, there were increasing instances of youth facing relationship problems in their family and among team members at work.

Arunav Sinha of iSOFT said a new concept, `Fun at iCafe,' had been introduced by the company as a "stress outlet" facility. Programmes such as magic shows or pantomime performances were held once a month. This was usually followed by a brief performance by one of the firm's employees.

iSOFT also conducts periodic health check ups, during which specialists set up clinics at its offices. "Also, the human resource division organises workshops on stress management," Mr. Sinha said.

Skin ailments

It was found that some workers were suffering from skin ailments after remaining cooped-up in air-conditioned environs for long hours and being deprived of natural light and air. Orion conducts preventive health interventions at its Mandaveli complex or at worksites. Stress-alleviation tools such as yoga and pranic healing are made available at the clinic as well as firms and educational institutions.

According to Dr. Viswanath, diabetes easily topped the list of diseases that caused concern, followed by thyroid disorders and hormonal dysfunctions.

She feared that Chennai's pre-eminence in cutting edge curative medicine could push the focus away from the merits of preventive health. The laboratory's outreach programmes were aimed at highlighting the message that one could avoid disease merely by following the recommended lifestyle.

"We may not be able to engineer lifestyle change on a large scale. We are going about it one person at a time," Dr. Viswanath said.

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