With smartphones becoming smarter by the day, it’s time we as users smarten up too – about our health, that is. Try to avoid making these common mistakes:
1. SLOUCHING AND STARING
Looking down can strain neck and back ligaments, suggests a computer-model analysis. Your head weighs 4,5kg to 5,5kg, but focusing downwards can increase forces on the neck by five times or more (see image above), leading to poor posture and pain. Straighten up with tips from report author and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kenneth Hansraj:
Hold it Right There Carry the device at chest height with head up, chest open and shoulder blades back. Move just your eyes downwards.
Take a Break Your neck is not supposed to stay stuck in one position for a long period. If you’re reading on a tablet or phone, stop every so often to swivel and tilt your head – up and down, then side to side.
Related: How To Save A Wet Cellphone
2. TREATING IT LIKE A TOY
People who are glued to their cellphones may have lost the ability to entertain themselves without one, found a study at Kent State University in the US. Less frequent users (under three hours a day) can more easily plug into relaxing low-tech activities like reading and exercising.
3. LEAVING IT ON YOUR DESK AT WORK
Having your cellphone out on your desk is distracting, even when it’s turned off. Researchers at the University of Southern Maine in the US found that students who had their phones in sight did poorly on focused tasks versus those whose devices were hidden. Stash yours when you’re on the job!
