Research shows alarming facts when it comes to the effects of cell phones, TV’s and computer games on the brain. The brain and spinal cord are so delicate they are the only structures in your body completely encased in bone. Every cell in the body relies on a direct link to the brain, healthy nutrition and stimulation. Cell phones, TV’s and computer games should be avoided as they interfere with healthy development of the brain and can cause health concerns such as attention and hyperactivity disorders, obesity and even cancer.
When it comes to cell phones, children and teens are more at risk since their brains are still developing. Teens on cell phones are five times more likely to get brain cancer by the time they reach their mid-twenties. A two-minute cell phone call can disrupt the electrical activity in a child’s brain for up to two hours! If you have a child who has trouble focusing and paying attention, look at the time they spend on their phones. Research shows American teens spend an average of 43+ hours using their cell phones. How much time does your family spend?
As for TV, there should be no TV for children under the age of two! Yes this goes for educational programs as well! Research shows that for every hour a preschooler spends watching TV, their risk of developing ADHD later in life increases by 10%. Children who watched TV for 4 hours or more a day have a higher ratio of body fat than those who watched 1-3 hours. Lowest body fat ratios were in kids who watched less than 1 hour of TV.
Your intelligent brain responds differently when playing sports on your WII versus really playing sports. Children playing computer games are on virtual autopilot and are unable to separate themselves from the game. They experience real life stress symptoms of increased heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature as if they are really part of the game. Watching violence reduces brain activity in the area that controls behaviour. Really, there is nothing healthy about computer games for children; general computer use should also be limited. Research shows there is no activity in the area of the brain responsible for planning, problem solving, short-term memory, behavior, socialization and altruistic behaviours, when playing computer games, no matter how complex. Again if you don’t use it, you risk losing it!
You may be thinking how do you undo history when it comes to your family’s exposure to these devices? First find comfort that no matter your age, you can always improve your brain! Anything that challenges balance and improves posture is a key in improving brain health. Eat well, sleep well, get regular spinal check ups and create opportunities to be outside with the family.
Also don’t look at making changes as taking “drastic measures,” Find ways to minimize exposure, Consider keeping cell phones off and set regular times in the day to turn them on to make quick calls when land lines are not available. Be responsible with social media, it’s easy to get out of control! Forward your phone and media messages to email so you reduce the number of devices you rely on. Limit your time on devices, whether for work, school or play, and bank unused time as currency towards bigger rewards. Get yourself checked to see if you need to invest in electromagnetic protective devices, although many may benefit, not everyone needs them!
Stimulating brain activity in appropriate areas is the key to nurturing healthy brains and raising smarter kids. I challenge every family to have a 48 hour electronic cleanse once a month - for health’s sake!
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