We’re raising a new generation of children who lead device-driven lifestyles. While computers and hand-held devices are becoming more necessities than luxuries, our children shouldn’t be inseparable from them.
A Battle Worth Fighting
There may be parents among us who are battle-weary, having fought to tear our children away from their handphones, tablet computers, and whatnot. It is always tempting to give in, believing that our kids will have to learn to be tech-savvy sooner rather than later.
Stay easy — up to two hours a day is quite safe, but beware the following health problems that could arise from too much screen time and poor tech habits, besides the risks of addiction:
1. Bad Posture, Back Aches, Neck, and Shoulder Strain
- It’s an instantly recognizable silhouette: the figure hunched over a device. Pretty soon, that hunch is there even when the device isn’t. To make it worse, the back and shoulder muscles start complaining, too.
- An uncomfortable seat, a set-up with poor ergonomics, sitting too long or slouching lazily — these all contribute to the problem.
- Laptop computers can aggravate things because the monitor and keyboard are so close. Users either lift their shoulders to type or hunch their shoulders to see.
2. Pain in Wrists — Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- This classic overuse injury shows up as pain, stiffness, or swelling in the fingers and wrist.
- Is your child twisting his wrist to use the mouse in an awkward way? Or does that game have him make forceful or repetitive movements? Is she texting for long periods? These can injure nerves and tendons. “It hurts when I write with my pen” is an excuse for not doing homework that you don’t want to hear!
Read the complete article at Healthhub.sg
Also Read: 18 Portable Health Gadgets That Can Change Your Life