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Texting can be bad for your health

by on12 November 2009

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American Public Health Association warning


The American Public Health Association has decided that texting might be bad for your health. The way that people send texts, all that stooping and frantic pressing of things with thumbs may have some physiological consequences.

Association researchers sent out a questionnaire to 138 college students asking how many texts they sent per day. The survey also included a body map. They found a link between higher numbers of text messages and feeling discomfort in the shoulders. After separating the study group by gender, the association was seen more strongly in men than in women.

Although researchers stressed that more investigation needs to be done, they added that it might be a good idea to keep an eye on musculoskeletal symptoms among people who use hand-held computers. Lead author Judith Gold said the physical problems are similar to what we see with office workers who've spent most of their time at a computer.

Gold, who is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work at Temple University in Philadelphia said that the way the body is positioned for texting - stationary shoulders and back with rapidly moving fingers - is similar to the position for typing on a computer. As a result it creates repetitive stress injuries over time. Students are the most effected and the Association is worried about the long term health problems texting will cause.
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