Monday, July 25, 2016

Your Cell Phone: The Good, the Bad, and the Happy Medium


Keys? Check.

Wallet or purse? Check.

Personal, pocket sized, all knowing, all powerful super computer? Check.

If you’re like many adults in the U.S., you don’t ever leave home without your smartphone.

These mobile marvels can connect people all over the world, entertain them, and boost productivity into the stratosphere.

Thanks to the seemingly cosmic expansion of 21st century technology, we can now talk to anyone, learn anything and transport anywhere in what feels like the blink of an eye. 

However, because smartphone technology is relatively new, the positive and negative impact these modern marvels may have on long-term health is largely still a mystery, and this realm of seemingly superhuman connectivity could be coming at a price, gradually grinding away at some of our most fundamental human needs.


The Good

Smart phone apps can be global-positioning devices, music players, game consoles, and even pocket sized personal trainers.

Your phone may help you eat better. You may already have a favorite website or app for healthy recipes. But you can also use your phone to record the foods you eat — much like a food journal. It’s easy and convenient, and one study found that people who used their phones instead of paper and pen for this purpose were more likely to stick with their diet plan.

Your phone may keep you moving. You can use it to track your physical activity. Research shows such apps are quite accurate in their step counts and distance measurements. They can also motivate you with instant feedback and goal setting. What’s more, people who use their phones to listen to music while they exercise report liking the activity more.

Your phone may help lower stress. In just a few clicks, you can download soothing music or nature sounds. Or try some yoga. Its physical movements and breathing techniques may help you relax.


The Bad

Despite its seemingly superhuman capabilities, your smartphone may not always be good for you.

Your phone can be a distraction. Whether driving or walking outdoors, pack away your phone. You are less likely to pay attention to your surroundings when using it. And your reaction time won’t be as quick. You may want to skip it while exercising, too. Although music may energize you while working out, talking and texting have been shown to reduce exercise intensity and duration.

Your phone may make you anxious. Keeping up with social media, text messaging, and other alerts can be overwhelming. In fact, one study of a group of college students found heavy cell phone users were more likely to be anxious and unhappy. They also tended to have lower grade-point averages.

Your phone may disrupt your sleep. Just like a television or computer, your phone’s glowing screen may keep you up at night. Such artificial sources of light can mess with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Plus, constant alerts can interrupt your slumber.

The Happy Medium

With a small computer always in your pocket, it can be hard to disconnect. Too much phone time may cause physical problems, too. Try adjusting your phone use with these healthy habits:

Turn your phone off at night. Or at least put it on mute. Also limit the amount of screen time before bedtime. Playing games or texting may make it hard for you to relax.

Take frequent breaks.
Too much texting or similar activities can cause overuse pain in fingers and wrists. Your eyes can also become strained from looking at the screen too long.

Turn down the sound.
If you use earphones or ear buds to listen to music from your phone, a loud volume setting can quickly damage your hearing.

Plan some no phone time.
Nearly half of smartphone users say they can’t live without their phones.


Thursday, July 7, 2016

Living with Sleep Apnea?

Lecture and Support Event


More than one-third of the US population reports having trouble sleeping. Poor sleeping habits, if left unimproved can increase an individual’s risk of cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure, heart attack, heart rhythm problems, and stroke.

Meridian Health’s Center for Sleep Medicine is at the forefront of clinical expertise when it comes to providing solutions for patients who experience abnormal sleep habits and struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep and getting a restful night’s sleep.

Please be our guest for the ‘Living with Sleep Apnea?’ lecture and support event to learn sleep apnea risk factors, treatment options, nutrition tips, relaxation techniques, and rules for creating a healthy sleep environment.

Thursday, July 14
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Conference Center, Meridian Health Village at Jackson
27 S Cooks Bridge Road Jackson, NJ 08527

The event will feature:

• A presentation by Adrian Pristas, M.D. Sleep Medical Director at Bayshore Community Hospital and Riverview Medical Center
• Free sleep screenings
• Light refreshments
• An open group discussion

All attendees will leave with practical sleep tips from trained clinical professionals. There will also be sleep vendors in attendance to demonstrate the newest CPAP equipment and masks on the market.

To register, please call  1.800.560.9990