Monday, April 14, 2014

Are You a Cell Phone Addict?

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY


It’s a fairly obvious fact that Americans in today’s world love their cell phones. In fact, recent statistics from the website www.pewinternet.org show that over 91% of all adults have a cell phone, and of this 91%, 55% own smart phones in particular. It is definitely not uncommon in today’s world for people to consider themselves addicted to their mobile devices. Though these complex devices have managed to benefit our world in many ways, what many people don’t consider is the health risk of over-using their phones. 

There are a broad range of side-effects to over-using your cell phone. According to the website www.bostonglobe.com, some of these proven side-effects include sore hands and fore-arms from texting, sore and dry eyes, headaches, sore neck, and dizziness to name a few common ones. There are even side-effects such as “Nomophobia” which is the fear of having to go without your cell phone and “Phantom cell phone vibration syndrome” which is when you believe you feel a vibration from your phone when it really hasn't vibrated. 

So how does one avoid these symptoms? The website www.webMD.com advises these three techniques to help control your usage:
  • Be conscious of the situations and emotions that make you want to check your phone. Is it boredom? Loneliness? Anxiety? Maybe something else would soothe you.
  • Be strong when your phone beeps or rings. You don't always have to answer it. In fact, you can avoid temptation by turning off the alert signals.
  • Be disciplined about not using your device in certain situations (such as when you're with children, driving, or in a meeting) or at certain hours ( for instance, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.). "You'll be surprised and pleased to rediscover the pleasures of being in control of your attention," Carr says.

Thank you for your time and attention! Let’s make it safe this Monday!

Phil Kwitek
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

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