Let’s talk about screen time!
Did you know the average teen/pre-teen child spends 9 hours on a screen/device every day?? EVERY DAY!!!
Screen time use has substantially increased over the past few years, especially in the younger generations. This connection the internet has created among society allows us to connect to those both near and far, however as a result our health is suffering, emotionally, physically and mentally. The convenience of the internet allows us to work from home, buy anything we want from anywhere, chat endlessly with our peers, entertain our curiosities, disconnect from reality, waste minutes and hours away from our day and so much more. But at what expense are we willing to risk our health, even more, the health of our young children? When is it time to say no? I’m praying for the time when the screen time, social media and electronics pendulum swing back and we no longer have to worry about the detrimental effects it has on us and our families.
PLEASE WATCH THESE AND SHARE!! SPREAD THE WORD!
https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_alter_why_our_screens_make_us_less_happy
The top 5 emotional health side effects:
1. Inadequacy in left and appearance
2. FOMO – fear of missing out
3. Isolation
4. Depression & Anxiety
5. Self - absorption
In addition to these effects, it has astronomical effects on our physical health.
Vision. Staring into a screen for extended periods of time can cause “computer vision syndrome - strained, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Increased chance of developing myopia in children.
Sleep. Studies link heavy computer and mobile phone use to more sleep disturbances. The blue light from digital devices suppresses the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, keeping us from having restful,deep sleep.
Addiction and reward seeking. Dopamine, the “feel-good hormone,” is part of the brain’s pleasure and reward circuits. Playing video games turns on similar brain regions as those linked to cravings for drugs and gambling, Ditto for social media — every time we see a new post or get an “like”.
Weight. Even two hours of TV a day can increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease in adults
Overall health. Most of the time we’re on our screens, we’re sitting down. Sitting for hours at a time boosts the risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. One study found that spending more than four hours a day in front of a computer or TV more than doubles your likelihood of dying or being hospitalized for heart disease — and exercise won’t reduce the risk.
About the Author:
Katie Nelson is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Registered Dietitian. Katie works with her clients in designing individualized nutrition & fitness programs to help you achieve optimal health, body composition & performance. She specialize in running specific, weight loss & optimal health/fitness in addition to nutrition for sports, preventative health, food allergies & body composition. Check out her Facebook page Here.
