Cell phones are a part of our lives now, like it or not - and most people love using their phones a lot. Indeed, many people rely on their phones for entertainment and running their social lives. But could these handy little gadgets have a harmful side? Here are some ways in which your Android or iPhone could be hurting your health …
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1. Wondering Why You're Not Sleeping? Your Phone Could Be to Blame
Resist the temptation to check your phone before you go to sleep, or you could be waking early - or lying awake for hours wishing you could get to sleep in the first place! Experts suggest that the tendency to use tablets and other screens in your bedroom upsets your sleep patterns, because of the light they emit. Avoid using any such devices for an hour before going to bed.
2. Eye Problems
Another common issue with cell phone use is eye problems. If you're constantly squinting at a small screen, it's going to cause eye strain. Try to limit your cell phone use. Wherever possible, wait until you can use a larger screen - it will be less of an effort for your eyes to focus on it.
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3. Neck Strain
Do you ever hold your cell phone between your shoulder and your ear so that your hands are free? That's going to cause neck strain, and could also have a knock-on effect on your shoulders and back. Be conscious of the position you're holding your head and shoulders in while you talk on your phone, and try to keep your head upright and your shoulders straight.
4. Ugh! There Could Be Bacteria on Your Phone
Think about how often we touch our phones. Your phone may look clean, but there could be some nasty bacteria lurking on it. There could be even more bacteria than in the average bathroom! Some of those are pretty nasty and could make you very ill. Keep your hands and your phone clean.
5. Could They Cause Really Serious Problems?
It's not yet clear whether or not cell phone use will have a long-term effect on our health - they haven't been around long enough to be studied in depth. But it's advisable to use a headset if you talk a lot on your phone, to be safe. And children shouldn't use their phone for long.
6. Practical Safety
If I counted how many people I see every day walking along, more absorbed in their phones than in what's going on around them, I'd soon lose count. People really don't pay attention to where they're going. If you really need to look at something on your phone, stop - don't keep walking without looking ahead. Otherwise, you risk tripping, crashing into someone - or worse. Phones can be replaced - you can't.
7. Mental Health
Finally, consider if your cell phone is detrimental to your mental health and well-being. How often do we sit around looking at our phones rather than talking to our friends? If we allow our phones to take over our lives, rather than just being a useful tool, we risk missing out on the more important things in life.
Cell phones are fun and can be very useful, but you shouldn't let them cause any health issues. Do you love your phone, or wish they'd never been invented?
Comments
TheMisshoney69: Agreed @Samira! Sleep tight !
E: I agree so much with this article. Although I admit I love my phone too. But it is getting out of hand. I deactivated all my social media in order to make time for actually calling and spending time with friends and family. Plus there are no boundaries anymore, people literally post EVERYTHING
Kirsty: My iPhone is constantly in my hand. I don't have social media but find myself googling or playing games. I've seen myself struggling to put it down at 2 in the morning. My husband is the same constantly glued to his phone. What kind of example are we setting for our children?? We wonder how he ever managed with the basic boring old landline.
Claire: It's sad that technology is taking over the world and the way we interact.
Samira: Good post Alison and very useful ! I agree wholeheartedly with you. Though I sometimes are sick of them being invented especially when meeting people they are only in their phone starring and liking commenting whatsoever on Facebook. I'm not on I closed my account long time ago more than I care to remember. The good thing about the phone is that when you like me today had to go to work in the middle of nowhere and was running late because the bus was delayed and I got lost I called them twice to say I'm on my way. That would in no way have been fine if I just showed up without letting them know. So like everything it has its ups and downs good and bad. Speaking of sleep. It's almost midnight here and I need to sleep :) Thanks again.
taylor: that is why we are the 'lonely' generation, theres no proper physical interaction with people anymore.
Esra: Honestly I love my phone so Mach and I hold it all the time...I don't know what to do!!!!!:(
TheMisshoney69: Good point @taylor .. I always think that !!
Claire: People are literally always on their phones, even whilst walking or whilst having a conversation and it is so rude!
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