Avoiding the Health
Dangers of Technology

Have you ever lost your cell phone or MP3 player? Going without technology for a short time can make us realize how much we rely on it. If you spend hours connected to gadgets, be careful. They may be taking a toll on your health.

Technology offers tremendous benefits, but sometimes at a price. Chronic computer users often suffer from vision problems and fatigue. Personal digital assistant (PDA) owners can develop severe thumb pain. And one survey found that half of American high school kids already have experienced at least one symptom of hearing loss, such as ringing in the ear. This hearing loss is attributed in part to the growing popularity of MP3 players.

How can you use and enjoy technology without hurting your health? Below are some common devices and ways to use them safely:

• Computer and the Internet. Protect yourself from eye problems like blurred vision caused by staring at computer monitors. And save your shoulders and back from aches and pains due to hunching over the keyboard. Take frequent breaks to stretch and look away from the computer screen. Make sure your back is supported and adjust your computer monitor to eye level.
• PDA. “BlackBerry thumb”—the pain associated with frequent PDA use—is now considered a workplace ailment by the American Physical Therapy Association. To reduce your risk, write shorter messages. Try typing without the thumb and take a break every few minutes. To stretch your hand, open it and spread your fi ngers wide. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.
• MP3 players. To avoid hearing loss, turn down your MP3 player to around 60 percent or less of the total volume. You also can reduce your urge to crank it up by investing in noise-reduction-style earphones.
• Cell phone. Research shows that cell phones don’t cause cancer. But they are linked to increased injury on the road because they can cause distraction. To lower your risk, avoid cell phone use while driving.