Technology is a man’s own created pet. We have more comforts and convenience due to technology than before.
We consider ourselves happier and more luxurious than before.
It might be impossible to lead a life without the use of technology now.
Technology has improved on all fronts, including medicine and health.
Yet technology has brought up its own set of problems to man and we have more diseases now than before.
Technology has affected man by exposing him to more pollution of all sorts by making him lead a physically less active life.
Besides, it has made him less patient and he prefers packed foods.
Also, we are in a situation where in we cannot escape or live in a world of non-technology.
How Does Technology Affect Our Health
Due to technology, we are lazier and less interested in physical work and exercise. Even if we do exercises, we do it in a technical way, like by use of a treadmill, etc.
So, by using technology, we are getting away from nature and also keeping our bodies from being natural.
When the body is not natural, we tend to suffer from diseases and also, we are more prone to disorders of organ systems.
Almost all the technological improvements have led to diseases in some way or other.
Let’s see the technology and health issues below.
Television: This is an entertainment box for many. People started staying more indoors with the increase in television. During times of no television, the ways of entertainment to people were mutual gatherings, going for a walk, visiting neighbors, etc. But with the rise in the use of TV, the need is gone. Sitting at home, we can spend hours and even days without going out.
But watching TV is found to increase the risk of
- Diabetes.
- Heart problems
- Blood vessel disorders.
Watching TV rises risk of Type-II diabetes. This is due to sedentary life one adopts in watching it. On an average, most Americans watch it for 3.5 hours per day.
While one watch television, the only body that is quite active is the brain as it needs to interpret the voice, meaning and understand the show. So brain is highly active while all the other body organs are at rest except those under involuntary control.
It is also said that when we sit, within two minutes, all the muscles in the leg get rest. This while watching television, the muscles are not active and the blood sugar is less utilized.
In our body all the organs and their functions are controlled by brain. When sitting and watching the show, the brain is busy and also set for various information digestion. This lets other organs go for abnormal function, leading to their respective disorders.
So this might be the reason for diabetes due to Television
Also due to intense brain activity during emotions and fear scenes during the show, the chances of heart undergoing changes in pulse rate and force of contraction can be seen.
These unintended and abnormal emotions can put stress on heart health. This sedentary life style can also lead to obesity.
Computer: Due to the introduction of computers, the way we work has changed. They were actually intended to minimize human work and time. But interestingly those who work on computer are more busy than others.
Besides, many who work on computer seem to suffer from some or other health issue. This is even more in those who work on the internet than on the system.
Interacting on the internet is more problematic to health than working on system. This is quite interesting but is also very true.
Some of the health problems which we encounter due to computers include, neck and back pains, infertility, blood pressure, head ache, obesity etc.
Cell phones: Using cell phones has become drastic than common. We use it almost every second of our lives. Even during sleep, we have it beside.
Cell phone works due to radiations of signals from the towers around. Many studies prove that radiation from a cell phone is health hazardous. However, due to the economic benefits from their use, the governments are not interested in preventing their over-exploitation.
Since the rise in the use of the internet over mobile, many have started staying awake late at night. They tend to disturb their sleep and their health.
Depriving sleep for small fun is common and many tend to be addicted to social sites, dating sites at night.
Even the fun they perceive to be is not real or complete still, people spend hours together on the device. This affects the eyes, the body due to sedentary habits and more.
Automobiles: Automobiles are the prime reason for pollution in major cities. They emit dangerous gases into the air, which is breathed by humans around.
Few cities in the world are highly polluted due to these automobiles and some of them tend to shut down the use of vehicles for a few days.
This air pollution causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive tract, heart and even kidneys as all these organs are involved in some way or another.
People habitually use motor vehicles even for a short distance walk. They tend to forget that this also damages their own health due to lack of physical activity.
So disorders like diabetes and heart and lung problems are more due to technological advancement and less physical work.
The use of cell phone towers and wifi seems to be even affecting birds and a few insects. Due to this their population is drastically down.
Technology is the reason for the hyperactivity of the mind. So this has led to mental stress and a lack of calmness.
Previously the work was based on physical labor. But nowadays, the work is mental. One uses his brain a lot compared to the man of the previous generation. So in one way, we are taxing our brains more than normal. This brain controls all the body systems in the body. If it is over-taxed and gets older, then the other organ systems are also dysfunctional.
How Does Technology Affect our Health Positively
- Indicators of health
- Diagnosis of disease state
- Regular monitoring of health condition.
Indicators of health: Technological gadgets like fitness tracker watches, when worn on our wrists, indicate how much we walk and other physical activities we perform on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This helps us decide if we need more physical activity.
Diagnosis of disease state: Devices like blood glucose meters are quite popular as they help diagnose the sugar levels in the blood without the need to go to labs or hospitals.
Even a digital BP apparatus helps to check blood pressure levels automatically without the need for a nurse.
Regular monitoring of health condition: When heart transplants or operations are done, few cases require the installation of devices that regulate the heartbeat. They also warn the patient if they are required to see a hospital beforehand.
Also, there are devices for contraception, drug delivery, etc., which make the process of health care easier.
In spite of positive effects, technology has more negative effects on health.