Among the most popular gifts this holiday season are electronic gadgets. A new cell phone, a wireless handset for a gaming system, a handheld organizer or an mp3 player. These gifts are in high demand and desired by a majority of children and adults around the world. My children will get their fair share too, but it is important to understand the long-term effects and impact these gadgets and gizmos can have on your life. Being aware and educating you and your family members can be the key to avoiding many overuse ailments with electronic devices.
Ears, Eyes and Hands
I keep telling my 15 year-old that if I were going to college to study today, I would be a hand (Orthopedic) doctor, an Ear/ Nose/Throat (ENT) doctor or an Optometrist. Why? Because this generation is going to suffer from a very high incidence of ailments involving hands, ears and eyes in a way that we haven’t seen in generations before.
As someone who is approaching the big 5-0 fast and having had great eyes until about 3 years ago, small electronic screens are my downfall. My husband has fingers that are too big to use on his Blackberry keyboard. There are even electronic books in which you read your favorite novels from an electronic pad the size of a paperback book.
In the quest to make our gadgets smaller and easier to carry, we have neglected the impact of small characters or really tiny buttons on our well being. Just like other diseases and ailments that are out there, there will be a huge spike in our ability to see clearly, to hear well and use our hands without pain in the near future. In fact, this trend has already begun. Before there were computers who ever heard of Carpal tunnel syndrome? Now everything we do involves the tap, tap, tap repetition or the bang, bang, bang sound that triggers these ailments.
Awareness is the key to managing your life from today’s electronic overload. Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on the body, often by “overdoing” an activity or repeating the same activity.
Here’s a few steps to avoid overuse-related ailments:
For your hands:
• Whenever possible use voice activated systems. Not only are these safer (and required for driving), but they keep your fingers off the keyboard.
• If you experience numbness, pain or soreness in your hands or wrist, seek an expert’s help. You may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tendonitis. Yoga, acupuncture or chiropractic assistance are also options for those seeking an alternative solution.
• Avoid repetitive actions on your keyboards, whatever the gizmo.
For your ears:
• If you’re using earphones, try noise-canceling systems or the speakers that fit flat over your ears. Earbuds are the worst option because the device is placed tightly inside the ear. And please don’t crank up the volume too high.
• Get regular hearing tests. This will be the real key in knowing what damage has occurred. Remember, you don’t get your hearing back.
For your eyes:
• Purchase a cell phone with larger views of type and text. They do exist and help you avoid squinting.
• Games and email on a cell phone are purely for convenience. Try to play games or check the Internet on larger computer screens. Remember the real reason you have a cell phone in the first place: for phone calls.
• Go see your eye doctor once a year. If things are blurry or you’re getting headaches, often a good pair of specs may be in order. So enjoy the holiday season and your new electronic gadget. Just remember to use common sense and take breaks often from the stress of repetition. Your eyes, ears and hands will thank you.
Please note: The information is purely the opinion of the author.Charlene Schosser has a passion for health and nutrition and is the owner of Schosser & Co., LLC. Please visit her website at www.marketamerica.com/thebackshack. Please direct any comments or questions to
Have You Found the Fountain of Youth
by Charlene Schosser
Have You Found the Fountain of Youth?
Did you know the first Baby Boomer is collecting Social Security? As this large group ages, the quest for healthier living and the Fountain of Youth goes on. It’s not that Baby Boomers want to live longer, which they will, but they want to enjoy a better quality of life. So does the Fountain of Youth come in a bottle or package? Below are some suggestions on how to get a kick-start on your own good health and reverse the aging process.
Will the Real Fountain of Youth Please Stand Up?
As far back as time goes, so do the legends of the Fountain of Youth. Some say the Spanish searched for it in Florida. Some say it’s located in the Caribbean. Most believe the connection lies in special water that will make you live forever. Others believe that this miracle comes from Goji berries or naturally magnetized water. Whatever the belief, if the Fountain of Youth could be packaged it would be a trillion-dollar industry.
Resveratrol. Goji Berries. The Wonder Supplements?
Resveratrol seems to be the new talk of the town. Its’ main component is found in red wine extract which is believed to maintain cell health and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in unhealthy cells among other things. Although drinking a glass of red wine is great, it would take an unrealistic amount to supply you with the values of resveratrol you need to reverse aging. Try taking this in supplementation. The word on the street and in clinical studies is that resveratrol actually works.
Then there’s Li Qing Yuen who is believed to have lived from 1678-1923 in China! Goji berries are part of traditional Chinese medicine. Li Qing Yuen’s primary diet and secret to living over 200 years: Goji berries!
Water. Pure and Simple.
Everyone knows drinking eight glasses of water can do wonders for your skin and health. It’s one of the most inexpensive antiaging items available and can rid your body of toxins. Water that has been magnetically enhanced? Well, I’m not a believer. Check out this website: www.chem1. com/CQ. You’ll find a chemistry professor’s viewpoint and you’ll realize that while magnets applied externally can help certain aches and pains, most are not effective in other forms. You be the judge!
Resistance Exercises Keep You Younger.
Ever met anyone who suffers from osteoporosis? Although it is not preventable, you can keep your bones healthier and dense by incorporating light weights and resistance exercises. Don’t forget to eat more fruits and veggies too. All of this combined will also aid in your well-being.
Cellular Help.
There are biotech companies at work today looking at the importance of cellular health and longevity. It is just a matter of time before cells can be manipulated to keep themselves healthy and keep us from aging and even dying. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want to live another 100 years! However, understanding cells is definitely viable and should aid in disease prevention.
What’s Your Real Age?
Your actually age in years is not necessarily your real age. Want to find out? Check out this great site: www.realage.com and you can calculate your age based on a number of components. Simply by changing some of your bad habits you can change your real age. It’s a great way to stay informed and make suggestions to help you with your own lifestyle.
If you want to read more about aging try sitting down with a few good books. Read Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth by Peter Kelder or You: Staying Young by Michael F. Roizen. In Kelder’s “Secrets”, he keeps you in the know with detailed information on the history and origins of the Five Rites, diet modifications, and easy-to-follow exercises. Roizen examines our bodies in a unique way and helps to promote good health and longevity after you reach 30.
There are so many easy steps everyone can take to help in the aging process. Even if you don’t want to live longer, try incorporating a few simple changes and improve your quality of life. Your attitude towards living and a few preventative steps can make this process a whole lot easier and help you age gracefully.
Please note: The information is purely the opinion of the author.
Charlene Schosser has a passion for health and nutrition and is the owner of Schosser & Co., LLC Creative Marketing Services. Please direct any comments or questions to
