Blake Medical Center

How Too Much Technology Can Affect Your Health

In this day and age, toddlers know how to play computer games and anyone without a smart phone is considered behind the times. Yes, the advantages of technology are abundant—the Internet has literally changed the world! Who needs to go to school or hit the mall when we can take college classes and shop for birthday presents from the comfort of our own homes? We can even pay our bills, watch movies and download music, and have video conference calls right on our computers.

Despite its multiple benefits, though, the old saying “too much of a good thing” can be true when it comes to technology. The overuse of computers, televisions, smart phones, and video games can inadvertently lead to a variety of health problems.

Higher Risk for Health Problems

Let’s Move!—the comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama that is dedicated to ending the childhood obesity crisis in America—claims that 8- to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using televisions, computers, video games, and cell phones.

Earlier this year, the Stanford School of Medicine reported that researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that just two hours of daily television was linked to a 20 percent greater risk for diabetes and a 15 percent higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Sleep Problems and Anxiety 

We’ve all heard about fatal car accidents in which the driver was sending text messages behind the wheel, but excessive texting and social media usage can lead to other problems. According to the non-profit publication TeensHealth, text messages and emails can interrupt sleep, leading to drowsiness and less-than-stellar performance the next day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that excessive social media activity can be a breeding ground for risky behaviors, cyberbullying, and even depression—it’s easy to feel inadequate when other people’s lives appear “picture perfect” online. These technology-related problems are not reserved for young people. They can affect adults as well.

Eye Strain, Headaches and Blurred Vision

Computers are common in nearly all professions. Although it is not completely clear whether or not computers are the only culprit, the American Optometric Association has found that many people who use a computer at work experience extensive eye-related discomfort and visual problems.

If you have concerns about your own health—whether technology-related or not—Blake Medical Center’s Physician Search can help you locate a physician in your area. You can also contact  Consult-A-Nurse®, our free healthcare referral service, at 1-888-359-3552 to schedule a doctor’s appointment or receive answers to your health-related questions.

Related Post:

Do You Know the Risk Factors for Diabetes?

Tags: Blake Medical Center, blurred vision, Bradenton Hospitals, cardiovascular risk, diabetes risk, eye strain, headaches, obesity risk, sleep problems, technology, technology risks