Are Your Hi-Tech Habits Making You Ill?
Essentials|December 2015
Alice Whitehead uncovers nine ways our addiction to computers, tablets and phones affects our health as well as our social lives.
Alice Whitehead
Are Your Hi-Tech Habits Making You Ill?

1. BEING A TECH POTATO

Unless your gadget of choice is an exercise bike or fitness tracker, it’s likely your personal tech is making you more sedentary. No need to walk to the shops, as we can order groceries online, and swap dinner or drinks with friends for a night in with ‘The Sims’. ‘Our reliance on technology to contact each other leads to a lot less physical activity,’ says Dr Ian Campbell, GP and obesity specialist. ‘What’s more, eating in front of a TV or PC can increase our kilojoule intake as we get distracted and ignore the fact that we are full.’

2. BECOMING MINDLESS AT MEALTIMES

Desktop lunches can play havoc with our digestion, too, says nutritionist Sarah West. ‘Food mindfulness is key as it ensures proper digestion and increases food memory. Distracted eating leads to an array of problems,’ she the digestive process, so if you gulp down your meal hastily, the stomach must excrete more acid than normal, leading to acid indigestion.’

3. ADOPTING THE HI-TECH HUNCH

Bending over your tablet or phone might not seem like a major health risk, but it’s thought just two hours a day can lead to neck and back problems. In the longer term, posture problems can lead to poor bone health and increased risk of fracture. ‘A sedentary lifestyle and, in particular, a lack of regular weight bearing exercise, is associated with low bone mass and osteoporosis,’ says Dr Karen Hind, an exercise and bone health researcher.

4. TWIDDLING YOUR THUMBS

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2015-Ausgabe von Essentials.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2015-Ausgabe von Essentials.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS ESSENTIALSAlle anzeigen
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 Minuten  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 Minuten  |
April 2020