18 Februari 2011

The Effect of Using Technology in Our Health

This Article Created By:
M. Abdul Manaf
Nabela Hanyvia B.
Upik Nugraheni
Sabrina Annisa M.


Everyone would agree that the advancements of technology have drastically simplified/improved the way we live, work, and play. We utilize these innovations without thinking twice about their potentially adverse effects on our health.
There are many technologies or device we use. Such as television, computer, cell phones, and many more.
In 2008, study revealed that Americans spend about 142 hours/month watching television; This means 1704 hours/year!. They are also utilize the other technologies to satisfy their leisure. Due to advancements of technology, such as: TiVo, Blu-Ray, HD, etc. these numbers are likely to increase. And what about video games? X-box, Playstation, Wii, etc.
The Computer has evolved into a device of many uses; It has become part of our daily “routine”. Work-Related activities and Leisure activities. You use the computer to do your work, make proposal in Ms Word, or make database. You also use it for facebook, blog, to buy something in e-shop, play video games.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, computers are used in the United States, by 100 million people at their jobs daily. Further, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 95% of schools and 62% of all classrooms in the United States have had computers since 1999
The more capabilities cell phones are made to have, the more usage increases (i.e. 3G). iPhone, Blackberry, Sidekick, etc. The iPhone 3GS sold over 1 million units in its first weekend!
So what kinds of health effects may these technological advancements of our generation cause to our bodies? We will cover: What kinds of health effects people are experiencing NOW. What kinds of health effects people may experience in the FUTURE. Additional effects The Ethics behind the issue.

Health Effects (Now)

Now days, there are many disease or heath effect cause use over technology. To name a few, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), E-thrombosis, and Obesity.
Computer Vision Syndrome Related to: Computing, TV/Video Games Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a common condition caused by incessantly focusing on characters/images on a [computer] screen. Our eyes have a difficult time focusing pixels Symptoms: headaches, burning/aching/dry eyes, double or blurred vision, light sensitivity, neck and shoulder pain, etc. CVS can be prevented by the use of special computer glasses.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Repetitive Strain Injury Related to: Computing, Cell Phones Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is actually a type of Repetitive Strain Injury brought about by: working with bent wrists a high rate of repetition using the hands a lack of rest for the hands and wrists forceful hand motions. Various other kinds of RSI’s are caused in similar ways. Excessive typing, mouse clicking, text messaging (thumbs)
Tunnel Syndrome & Repetitive Strain Injury Related to: Computing, Cell Phones Symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling in the fingers.5 RSI’s can lead to the need for medications, splints, or operations.
Many of these symptoms can be reduced through a combination of correcting workstation conditions, posture, stress-relieving lenses prescribed specifically for computer operation, special anti-glare screens, eye exercises and nutritional supplementation.
Obesity is a condition best described as a surplus of body fat which can lead to a lot of other health issues (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.). 60 million people in the U.S.7 Men: > 25% body fat Women: > 30% body fat. Obesity related to: Computing, TV, Video Games. Studies have shown that more TV = more chance of obesity. This also applies to prolonged daily use of the computer and playing video games without physical activity.
E-Thrombosis is the condition is related to deep vein thrombosis, where blood clots form in deep veins, such as those in the legs. These clots can be fatal if they migrate to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Clots can form when blood supply slows or stops, such as in a period of prolonged immobility. Similarly, e-thrombosis is the development of clots in the deep veins of someone who spends long amounts of time in front of a computer without moving. Although only a handful of e-thrombosis cases have been reported, millions of people who spend most of their time in front of a computer are at risk. Avoiding e-thrombosis is simple: stand up and move around every hour, tap your toes while you work, put equipment and supplies in different parts of your work area so you have to move to get them, don't cross your legs while sitting at your desk, don't spend your lunch break at your desk (go for a quick walk instead), and don't get too comfortable -- if your workspace is ultra-cozy, you won't want to get up.

Health Effects (Later) :

Cellular Phones Studies have shown that heavy cell phone usage can lead to possibly cancerous tumors. The cellular phone emits radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Mostly harmless in small amounts. Prolonged use (many years) may create an older generation plagued with cancer. Hands-free devices may help.
Laptop Computers Studies show that placing the laptop on the lap could lead to infertility in males. The heat from the laptop increases the temperature of the scrotum—giving sperm an unstable environment. May be prevented by placing one’s laptop on a desk instead.
Additional Effects There are also many indirect technology-related health issues. Traffic Accidents Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year. Increased Aggression, Sexuality in Adolescents. Studies show that the increased depiction of violent acts and sex on television negatively influences young people; they tend to want to re-enact what they see on TV. Social Withdrawal Prolonged hours of gaming or television can cause people to lose sight of the real world.
So, is it ethical to continually create more and more advanced forms of technology? “Yes.” Technology improves the way we live; Life activities will continue to become easier and more enjoyable. “No.” People used to live fine without technology; we can live that way again. Technology just creates more health risks.
Questions we must ask ourselves in this debate: Do the Pros of technology outweigh the Cons? What measures should be taken to prevent technology-related ailments? Leave it up to the people? Leave it up to the inventors? What other issues might arise as a result of technology-related health problems? So, What do you think?

References

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080214144349.htm 10.
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20041208/laptop-computers-may-affect-male-fertility 11.
http://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.html 12.
http://www.trashyourtv.com/TV-Sex-and-Violence-and-You-Articles
http://www.wiziq.com/tutorial/31524-Technology_Related_Health_Issues
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1229858-overview
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