Love your mobile? You may not love the health risks 

Mobiles. We just can’t seem to live without them. They have so many wonderful benefits. But what about the downsides? 

There are a surprising number of health issues with mobiles. While research is continuing into many areas, here are some of the concerns that scientists appear to agree on, and what you can do: 

Disrupted sleep

Studies by Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that the blue light given off by LED screens disrupts our sleep patterns. It suppresses the production of melatonin, our ‘sleep hormone’. This results in the body being told to wake up, and even prompts hunger pangs. 

Avoid using your phone, tablet or computer in the bedroom, or for 90 minutes before you want to sleep. Many mobiles now include a ‘night mode’, shifting the colours away from blue. Switch this on at night, if you can.

Germs and bacteria

Mobiles can carry a surprisingly high number of germs. In fact, your phone may well have more bacteria than a toilet seat. Think about all the places you go, what you touch - and then how often touch your phone. 

Wipe your mobile clean - not with your clothes, as many people do, but with a disinfectant or alcohol wipe. Avoid touching your phone when preparing food, and go hands-free whenever you can. 

Infertility in men

Several studies, including one in Cleveland, in the U.S., have shown that the use of mobiles has an effect on the semen quality in men. The sperm quality decreased as the duration of daily exposure increased. 

Fertility experts recommend that men put their mobiles in their jacket pockets, and not their trousers.

Cybersickness

Blurred vision, eye strains, headaches. Imbalance and vertigo. Nausea and dizziness. According to several research reports, up to 80% of people show symptoms of ‘cybersickness’. . 

A bit like motion sickness, when you scroll through apps your brain is tricked into believing it’s moving, when it’s not. That causes the cybersickness. 

Try looking away from the screen, using the 20-20-20 trick: every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away.

Hearing loss

According to Harvard Medical School audiologist Dr Brian Fligor, listening to music at full volume (through the iPod) could increase the risk of hearing loss.  

It’s recommended to listen to music for no more than 90 minutes a day, at 80% of the maximum volume.

Back problems 

The British Chiropractic Association says there has been a 60% increase - to 45% - of 16 to 24 year-olds who suffer from back pain.  

Leaning over your phone as you text and read is not good for your posture. Sit up straight, square your shoulders, and keep your feet flat on the floor. And remember to take regular breaks from technology.

Pedestrian accidents 

According to a University of Washington study, you’re four times more likely to ignore oncoming traffic, and disobey traffic lights when texting. 

That’s just downright dangerous. Put your phone away when walking. It could cost you your life. No text is worth that.

Eye strain

On average, we look at our phones 150 times a day. That puts a lot of strain on our eyes. It could lead to all sorts of issues including blurred vision and headaches. 

Take screen breaks regularly. Adjust the screen brightness. Make the text bigger. Hold your phone further away. And keep a clean screen. 

Your eyes will thank you for it.

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