Are Your Gadgets Making You Sick?

by Tom Conlon, posted Sep 15th 2007 at 8:30AM

Remember the old Stephen King flick 'Maximum Overdrive,' in which all machines suddenly go berserk and start murdering humans? While we're not quite there yet, lots of casual technology users are paying a very high price for the modern conveniences that their gadgets afford them: Their health, and, in some cases, even their lives, are in jeopardy. The next time you visit the doc (or a mortician) for one of the following ailments, you may discover it's your electronics that are to blame.

Sore Thumbs

The condition: The diminutive keyboards on BlackBerrys, Treos, Sidekicks and other QWERTY phones can wreak havoc on one's ability to signal approval with a good old "thumbs up." Pain, numbness, swelling and tendinitis are all symptoms of what the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) officially recognizes as "BlackBerry Thumb," caused by overworking the one digit that separates us from the apes.

How to prevent or cure it: Avoid BlackBerry Thumb by typing with your fingers instead of your thumbs, and not typing for more than few minutes at once. If you're already stricken with the ailment, several massage therapists now offer massages specifically for the treatment of BlackBerry Thumb. Engadget founder Pete Rojas went for one, which he chronicles here. Pete's assessment: "I don't think a single massage can remedy years of abuse!"

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Filed under: Audio/Video, Cell Phones, Cameras, Computers, Video Games, Editor's Picks, BlackBerry

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

kjp8336 @ Sep 18th 2007 7:37AM

it makes since know every sinced cell phones came out for every body you see and here more people at the doctor office

Neutral

Spavelous @ Sep 18th 2007 8:19AM

We are all made up of electrical energy, Sometimes we forget this. Cell phones and other electrical devices on our body does effect our own bodies. The owner of Virgin Airlines, only uses a cell phone with an ear wire due to the death of his friend from a brain tumor that was the same size as his cellphone. Of course physical problems can be attributed to texting. Even Police officers who put radar detectors in their laps when not in use had a higher rate of Testicular cancer. We need to respect technology and protect ourself. Learn more about health, aging and stress relief at http://www.spavelous.com

Neutral

JT @ Sep 18th 2007 10:30AM

KJP...have you considered finishing 3rd grade???...
Hooked on phonics.....buy it, learn it, live it!!

Neutral

astarr @ Sep 18th 2007 11:17AM

um, apes have oposable thumbs too.

Neutral

shelly kalnitsky @ Sep 18th 2007 11:22AM

WOULD YOU STICK YOUR HEAD

IN A MICROWAVE OVEN?

EXPERT DISCUSSES CONTROVERSY
OVER CELL PHONE SAFETY.

Today there are an estimated 3 billion cell phones in the world. In Europe 80% of the population uses them, compared to 60% in the US. The US. Market is growing quickly especially among teens and children who are at the greatest risk. . All this points to one fact: cell phones are BIG business. Even though the health risks from radiation are being reported and the evidence is mounting, the industry giants continue to claim their products are safe.
Shelly Kalnitsky, an authority on cell phone issues wants to ask you three questions.
1. Do you now believe nicotine is non-addictive?
2. Do you now believe that cigarette smoking does not cause lung cancer?
3. Do the words “radiation” and “microwaves” sound like something you want going into your brain?

“The jury is still out on the extent of the long term effects of cell phones” says Kalnitsky “but we are discovering more evidence of cell phone dangers.” He points to an independent reporting site www.cprnews.com which documents hundreds of articles , studies and research on cell phone dangers under world news.
He discusses :
• How the industry suppresses negative stories.
• The increased risks cell phones pose to teens and children.
• Why current hands free kits are more dangerous.
• New products that can reduce the risk.
• Safety tips in cell phone usage.

Kalnitsky is an expert on the subject and can add insight on recent scientific findings as well as discuss protection devices such as shields, new hands free radiation free kits and safety tips that can offer a remedy for cell phone users.
561-989-9147

Neutral

ruth @ Sep 18th 2007 11:49AM

The articles are good, just to be aware of
the 'risks' of modern technology.
However; I am not a monkey's aunt. I am a real person and thankful for that.

Neutral

anthony @ Sep 18th 2007 12:45PM

everybody is being exposed to radio wave bombardment, even infants an childern.Ever notice
you go on vacation with your cell phone,without notifiying your carrier service,you still receive an transmit service.strange how the service "knows" where you are at all times,like a GPS. nokidding.Radio waves is a form of RADIATION.just being in close proximity of anyone useing a cell phone,we are at risk of radiowave bombardment,it cant be good for anybody.

Neutral

Audrey @ Sep 18th 2007 1:09PM

I wondered why my fingers are getting numb when I am on the computer. Seems like the slightest pressure on my fingers, creates this sensation. What is a person to do that uses the computer quite often? Guess we have to live with such things, these days. Sunshine

Neutral

Homer @ Sep 19th 2007 12:31PM

What's next? I-Phone index finger? Repetition can be harmful with anything.

Neutral

Kim @ Sep 20th 2007 10:40PM

I got sick from talking on the phone too much. I was talking and using the computer, it started making me dizzy. So whenever I looked at something and concentrated on it, it started to hurt my head. At times it made me have a ringing noise in my ear and other times I felt sick to my stomach.

Neutral

Chuck @ Nov 9th 2007 2:53AM

Common sense seems to indicate that radiation can't be good for you? There are more people at the doctor's office since cellular phones became popular? You got sick while talking on the phone?

Yup. Common sense.

Of course, common sense would also indicate the earth is flat.

Thank you, but I'd prefer to see some evidence before making up my mind.

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