Yes, Textaloptheosis. Ever heard of it? Sure, you have. You’ve heard it hear. Don’t ask questions.
The point of this medical name game was to just mention an issue that I just heard about on the playground that seems to really be picking up steam as more and more people are always glued to their smartphones. Sorry Apple, RIM, and Samsung…I don’t mean to call you out. But still, it’s something to think about.
Consider these recently posted facts just about teenage kids by Christina Warren on the Mashable Blog,
75% of teens have cellphones, up from 45% back in 2004.
Thirty-three percent of teens send more than 100 texts per day.
Teenage boys send an average of 30 text messages per day and girls send an average of 80.
Now, you and I…we have all sorts of ”old people” problems. Yes, I know, we’re not all old and people live to 100 regularly. I get it…yoga, Pilates, South Beach, Jamba Juice…you got it going on. That being said, it’s an undeniable fact that as the years progress, you are slowly breaking down just a wee bit more than the year before. But enough about our old butts…
Kids, on the other hand, are in the prime of their physical lives. They run, they jump, they don’t sleep, they eat fried foods like we breath oxygen. Nothing seems to phase them. Yet, they are still in their formative years. Things can over time have negative effects on them.
Because so many teens are texting and emailing and sufring the web on their phones, it is becoming common for them to experience joint and spine problems at young ages. Warn your child about the dangers of being on their phones from sun up to sunset. Let them know that if they have pain or swelling in their joints, it is serious and should not be ignored.
Carpal tunnel and other issues with the hand and wrist or, like this woman at the playground’s niece, issues with their spines become TOO STRAIGHT becuase they are always hunching their heads over the phone!
The forward head position that most people assume as they use electronic devices puts considerable pressure on their spine and over time can change the curvature of their neck. Leaning your head forward creates an enormous amount of pressure on your neck, something in the 10 pounds of pressure range, per inch. Looking down at your phone must mean 20-30 pounds of pressure easily. That means if your teen looks down as he texts, it adds 20 to 30 pounds of pressure on his neck. Over time, this added pressure can lead to decreased immune function, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain or numbness and tingling in his arms.
I know they’re going to blow you off and think you’re crazy, but it should be considered and mentioned. It’s not something to just blow off just because it’s a relatively new malady.
Something to think about.
It looks like it’s shaping up to be (now that it’s winter) another sick season. I really did not catch anything up until about 3 weeks ago. But…I can’t seem to shake this sinus infection/headache that I’ve had. It feels like my temples and up are crushing my skull. I even have a nice, lingering pain in the back of my head. Yes…I’ve asked many a time to many a person if suspect a brain tumor of some sort. Crazy, perhaps, but this is the second time I’ve had this pain. The first being about 6 mos ago…when it appeared I had another killer infection.
It’s odd that there are so many people getting these types of lingering infections…so many. I try to fight it off as many say you should not take too many antibiotics. But, after 2 weeks of annoyance, I think it’s time. I have strong antibiotics, nose spray and Mucinex D (awesome). But still, as my 7 days of pills are consumed, I still feel similar…much better, but still not right. I am debating in my head, and on this blog, if I should call the doctor and get a few more days worth. It did the trick the last time, I must admit.
Really, what the heck is going on? Does anyone else seem to get these type of never ending ailments of late? I know I’m not the only one. C’mon, lay it on me. Make me feel better. Console me now. Don’t say I’m being a baby because I don’t whine and it determines me from nothing. It just stinks to be off every day for so long!
Any I found this when looking for the headache cartoon…funny…I try to convince myself this acupuncture method works. Sometimes it does, sometimes I just think your focusing that second on the pain in your hand. I guess whatever works.
Seems like I was wrong. It’s been 6 years since I became a dad and it still amazes me how time flies by now. My kids are both going to be in full days next year (2nd and K) and I don’t know what I’ll do with my self.
That being said, I still can’t get over how these kids get sick so often and somehow whatever it is they do contract…it hits me and my wife 10 times harder. This phenomenon really kicking into hyper drive last year when Liam went to 3yr old preschool and Natalie was in full-day Kindergarten. The sick effect ballooned out of control.
You think it’s just you. Maybe you have some kind of auto immune deficiency problem. What could it be? But then, you realize that every one of your friends have the same issues and the same questions. That, at the very least, puts your mind at ease. Somewhat.
I have never had so many issues with my sinus. I barely knew I had sinuses until last year. Now, I get these crazy sinus congestion issues all the darn time. I get these wild head pains that I swear are tumors (God forbid, knock wood). Fevers…you bet. Phlegm…I could bottle and sell the stuff. I barely knew what Mucinex (the “D” version, max strength) and pseudoephedrine (and please, get the “real stuff” and show your license…the other stuff is garbage) was…now they’re my best friends. I took so much antibiotic last year it was insane…I try not to take it, but it just wouldn’t go away.
What is this all about? How do these kids get sick all the time? I know it’s all about building their immunity, etc. But, man, I didn’t realize it was only being built until you have kids in school. Then, you apparently relapse. There’s something “going around” (oh that magical phrase) all the time. WTF, man???
On top of just plain old colds, these kids seem to keep getting these bizarre illnesses. Nasty stomach bugs are the best, but the scariest was the high fever/no other symptom bug that went around all last year. The kids had 104-105 fevers for about 5 days straight…but no other symptoms. Sure, that’s great for them, but they are pushing hospital admission and all they want to do is play. It was crazy. And it spread like wildfire. Thankfully, Vera and I didn’t seem to get that one quite as severely.
I just pray that by some miracle that this winter is not as bad as last. So far, it’s been relatively warm, so I think that’s helped December along. We’ll see come the heart of winter in January and February.
I don’t have all that much faith in this actually coming to fruition, but here’s to hoping. Bring on the NyQuil baby! I’m ready.
I came across this video of Toddler and Child CPR…it’s such a good thing to learn and know. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but I truly think it’s something everyone should know..at least a little bit.
I’ve known CPR for years since I was required to be certified in CPR/First Aid when I was a lifeguard many moons ago. It gets to be manageable once you learn it. The key as with most emergencies is to just be calm and be confident in what you are doing…and to call 911 ASAP. It’s just a security blanket, especially if you have your own kids.
I encourage you all to take a quick look. Thank you, Dr. Charles Goodwin, pediatric surgeon! Sorry for the commercials.
As you may or may not know, about 3-4 years ago I lost 62 pounds. I was in the best shape, at least since high school. I felt great, looked great, and had to get a whole new wardrobe. The unthinkable happened…I actually didn’t mind shopping!! Thankfully, I learned a lot from Weight Watchers about food and most importantly proper portions. It makes such a difference. Also, consistent exercise. All great. I maintained my weight…maybe within 5 pounds or so, all the way until August of this year.
Now, I know it’s an excuse, but sometimes “shoot” happens. I pulled my groin and it hurt like hell. I could do no exercise (including my beloved paddle tennis) for 2 weeks. After that, I could a flu-like sinus infection. After these 3 weeks passed, I was OUT of commission as far as exercise. I also decided that diet did not matter and I would eat and drink with abandon and disregard.
The result…3 months, 17 pounds. Yes, that’s right, 17 freaking pounds. Hard to believe, but yet so easy for me to accomplish. Man it really sucked getting on that scale, not being able to fit into some clothes, just feeling and looking crappy.
I had to turn it around. I just made the decision after an eating and drinking bacchanal to get my act together. And just like that, I hit the zone. I just decided to do it. I was not going to get anywhere near where I was 3-4 years ago. It was not acceptable.
This past week I’ve lost 5 pounds. I’m eating healthy, not snacking, and drinking less beer! I’ve also cut down on carbs, though not completely. I joined a gym, the same as Vera, and went 5 times last week. I love it. It’s reasonable, well kept, with decent people. Plus, it’s close to home. It’s made such a difference. I feel so much better and I even can see a difference in my gut.
I know Christmas time is a poor time to begin this, but there’s always something, right? There never seems to be an opportune time. You just have to put up or shut up. Once you get into it, it really is much easier and you feel so much better. It becomes part of you. Think about how much better you’ll look and feel. How much better you’ll look to your spouse (bow chicka wow wow) and even to your kids. They may not really notice, but they’ll notice you eating carrots over chips and they’ll notice you exercising…my kids love to exercise with me.
There’s nothing stopping you. Just get off your butt and do it!! You’ll thank yourself for it. Trust me. And for a good routine..do Weight Watchers and this video!
Good luck!
Granted, he’s in great shape. But for some reason when I think eating right, or getting into shape, or writing a book…I do not think 50 Cent. I, of course, am wrong. It seems that Mr. Curtis James Jackson III is about to do all of that. Perhaps since the discontinuation of this Formula 50 Grape VitaminWater, he wants to get back into the food/drink game. I mean, the guy is huge and ripped, so…
50 Cent has rapped about getting rich. Now he’s focusing on getting fit.
The hip-hop star is putting out a fitness book that’s set to be published in January 2013 by Avery Books. Titled “Formula 50: A 6-Week Total Body Transformation Plan,” the book will tout metabolic resistance training as the key to getting in shape. It will also include a nutrition guide.
The buff rapper says he wants to help people “make positive changes and take charge of their overall health.”
“Formula 50″ will be the latest credit for 50 Cent as an author. He recently released the teen novel “Playground” and also wrote “Pieces to Weight, The 50th Law.”
The rapper’s latest book will be co-written by Jeff O’Connell, editor-in-chief of Bodybuilding.com.
Get the Details on Facebook and Twitter
Bill is a guy trying to be dad and husband while running an online media company at home with his wife. Piece of cake.
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