HEALTHYliving SPRING 2022
Published by Washington Newsmedia, LLC
WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS
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HEALTHYliving
PUBLISHER
HEALTHYliving WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS
Ashley Vansant EDITORIAL
Steve Barnes Brandon Tester
4 PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS STRUGGLING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
David D. Singleton
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MARKETING & SALES
Michelle Brewer DISTRIBUTION
HOW TO PREPARE FOR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS
Kim Riggs ART DIRECTION
Ryan Webb
7 HOW TO AVOID COMPUTER EYE STRAIN
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WHAT IS GAMING DISORDER?
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MEDICAL AND HEALTH DIRECTORY
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Parents can help kids struggling with social media
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ocial media is a big part of young people’s lives. Psychology Today reports that social media use is now the most common activity children and teenagers engage in, with the majority of users accessing social media platforms several times each day through their personal cell phones. Social media has its benefits, and being able to keep in touch with friends and family remotely was one of the saving graces in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when people were isolating in their homes. But there’s a dark side to social media as well. Recently leaked documents from Meta, the company that oversees social media giants Facebook and Instagram, suggest the company has known for several years that its Instagram app is contributing to body image issues and other mental health problems for teens, particularly females. Social media platforms use algorithms to enhance users’ engagement. Feeds may be driven toward polarizing topics or those that have the most shock value, further leading teens down a negative path. The current tween and teen generation is faced with constant information being delivered right to their handheld devices. Children may not be developmentally ready for the immediate gratification that social media provides nor the constant onslaught of content. As a result, teens increasingly are becoming more irritable, having trouble sleeping and are spending more time alone as a result of phone usage. The Harvard Graduate
School of Education says recent studies have noted a significant uptick in depression and suicidal thoughts over the past several years for teens, especially those who spend multiple hours a day using screens. There are steps parents can take to help tweens and teens who may be struggling and need assistance managing social media. • Set real limits. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that until meaningful government oversight is in place to police social media platforms, parents will have to set their own parameters for use. Putting phones down at meal times, turning off alerts close to bedtime, and making certain days “a rest from technology” can help. • Block upsetting content. It’s a parent’s job to be a parent, not a best friend. Giving in to requests to engage with certain social platforms, even when they do not align with one’s beliefs or values, can be harmful. Set limits on which platforms children are allowed to use. • Regularly monitor kids’ usage. Parents should look through their kids’ phones and accounts on a regular basis to see which sites are being visited and how kids are engaging with others. If social media is affecting a child’s mental health, have him or her take a break or delete the account. Social media is ever-present in kids’ lives. Parents and other caregivers have to find a way to assist struggling tweens and teens with social media so it does not become a detriment to their overall health.
HEALTHYliving
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HEALTHYliving
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How to prepare for telehealth appointments
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hange was a big part of life in 2020. As the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, changes had to be made to keep people safe and prevent the virus from spreading. Some of those changes will no doubt prove temporary, while others may have staying power. An increased reliance on telemedicine is one notable change to take place during the pandemic that figures to stick around long after people have gotten rid of their masks. When in-person doctor visits became risky, many doctors increased their telemedicine offerings, allowing patients to call in and discuss issues or symptoms over the phone. In many instances, doctors can prescribe medications or recommend treatments without seeing patients in their offices, and patients may appreciate that convenience even after the pandemic has ended. Some people may have been hesitant to embrace telemedicine, and reports during the pandemic’s early stages reflect that hesitation. Data from the National Cancer Institute indicates that screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer dropped by roughly 89 and 85 percent, respectively, in the first couple of months after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Though cancer screenings typically must be conducted in person, the decline in screenings suggests patients were not speaking with their physicians during the early months of the pandemic. Had patients been more willing to speak with their physicians over the phone or via
video conferencing apps like Zoom, the decline in cancer screenings likely would not have been so significant, as doctors would have emphasized the importance of screenings, even during a pandemic. Telehealth appointments can be valuable for anyone, and patients can take steps to ensure their telemedicine sessions with their physicians are as productive as possible. • Write down questions. Prior to an appointment, patients can write down any questions they have for their physicians. This helps ensure nothing is forgotten during the appointment. Writing down questions is especially important for telehealth appointments, as it can be easy to be distracted when calling in from home. • Keep a health diary. A health diary can help patients point to symptoms or other persistent issues they’ve faced in the weeks or months leading up to their telehealth appointments. Jot down everything from the severity
and frequency of symptoms to fluctuations in weight to any reactions to medications. No detail is too minor, as the more informed patients are the more fruitful their discussions with physicians can be. • Photograph any extraordinary symptoms. Physical examinations are vital components of preventive health regimens, but many people have delayed or skipped annual physicals during the pandemic. If any unusual symptoms or issues like rashes arise, document them by taking photos and measure the size of any lumps. Any symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately, but documentation like photographs can ensure nothing is lost in translation during telehealth appointments. Telemedicine figures to play a bigger role in health care in the years to come. Embracing strategies to make telehealth appointments more successful can help patients adapt to the changing health care landscape.
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How to avoid computer eye strain
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orkplace hazards are a part of life for people in various professions. Office workers might not consider themselves vulnerable to injury when they’re at work, but individuals who spent much of their day staring at a computer screen are at risk of developing computer eye strain. According to The Vision Council, nearly 60 percent of individuals who routinely use computers and digital devices experience symptoms of computer eye strain. The health care experts at Cedars Sinai note that computer eye strain symptoms can include dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and eye twitching. Despite the prevalence of computer eye strain, office workers and others who spend long periods of time at their computers can take steps to reduce their risk. • Redo your work environment. Cedars Sinai recommends individuals concerned about computer eye strain create a better work environment to reduce their risk. The online vision health and wellness resource All About Vision notes that eye strain is often a byproduct of excessively bright light. That light could be natural light coming in through a window or from interior lighting that is harsh on the eyes. If exterior light is making your office excessively bright, close drapes, shades or blinds to keep that light out. Excessively bright lighting fixtures can be remedied by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes or replacing existing bulbs with lower intensity alternatives. All About Vision also notes that some individuals find floor lamps that employ soft white light
from LED bulbs are less taxing on their eyes than overhead fluorescent lighting. • Schedule vision checkups. Cedars Sinai notes that uncorrected vision problems are a major cause of computer eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends individuals get a complete eye exam once in their 20s, twice in their 30s and then again when they turn 40. A comprehensive eye exam at 40 is necessary because the AAO notes that this is when early signs of disease or changes in vision may appear. Diseases or changes can contribute to computer eye strain, among other issues. After conducting a comprehensive eye exam, ophthalmologists will then tell patients how often they should have their vision tested, and individuals should heed this advice and keep appointments. • Upgrade your tech. All About Vision notes that flat-panel LED screens with anti-reflective surfaces are preferable to computer screens with cathode ray tubes, which can cause an imperceptible flicker of images that contributes to computer eye strain. A large display screen, whether it’s a desktop computer or a monitor connected to a laptop, also can reduce risk for computer eye strain. Computer eye strain can make workdays difficult for office workers. Individuals who think they might be dealing with eye strain can try various strategies to prevent it or reduce its severity.
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HEALTHYliving
What is gaming disorder? Billions of people across the globe are gaming enthusiasts. A recent ESA survey showed that more than 214 million Americans are playing video games, which can help develop familial bonds. Furthermore, with more time spent at home, video games may be a way to pass the time and maintain social interaction with friends and other family members. However, excessive gaming may be too much of a good thing. In 2018, the World Health Organization added “gaming disorder” to their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which is the latest list of diseases and medical conditions that health professionals use to diagnose issues affecting
their patients. According to the ICD-11, individuals with gaming disorder have trouble managing the amount of time that they spend playing video games. In addition, gaming may be put ahead of other activities. Over time, excessive gaming may lead to other negative effects, including behavioral issues akin to other addictive behaviors, such as alcohol use and gambling. The WHO says for gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the pattern of behavior must be severe enough to result in significant impairment to family, personal, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas for at least 12 months.
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Prevent common injuries while gaming
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aming is a popular activity across the globe. WePC, a custom computer-building company, says there are more than 2.5 billion video gamers around the world. Sixty percent of United States-based gamers play video games daily, according to the Entertainment Software Association, a trade association of the video game industry. According to the 2019 report “The State of Online Gaming” from Limelight Networks, gamers are spending more time than ever before engaged in play. Gamers spend an average of seven hours and seven minutes each week playing games, which represents a 20 percent spike from last year. Gamers between the ages of 26 and 35 are playing for more than eight hours a week. All that gaming can leave gamers vulnerable to injury. Many individuals are now experiencing overuse injuries from extended gaming sessions. Dominic King, D.O, a sports medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, says gaming athletes can be injured in similar manners to traditional athletes. Doctors have seen overuse injuries of the hand associated with eSports. Carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse in the elbow and shoulder, tendinitis, and even something called “gamer’s thumb” can occur. Gamer’s thumb is a nickname given to a condition called de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which occurs when the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed, leading to limited movement. Gaming and even smartphone use can result in this condition. Staying informed about the potential for injury can keep gamers in better health. Gamers also can take steps to prevent common conditions. • Eye strain: Staring at a screen for hours while immersed in play can cause eye strain. Symptoms can include pain, redness, dryness, and blurry vision. Taking breaks and focusing on items at various distances can help rest the eyes. • Gamer’s thumb: Stretching the hand and thumb before playing and during breaks can rest the tendons in the hand and reduce the risk of inflammation.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This occurs when there’s a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes hand or wrist pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Stretches that engage the palms, fists and thumbs can help. A chiropractor or physical therapist can help people learn stretches and find relief. • Hearing damage: Wearing headphones and listening to loud game play can damage hearing. Keeping the volume low and avoiding earbuds that keep the noise close to the eardrum can help reduce risk. • Back and neck strain: Improper posture while playing may lead to pain in the neck and back. Rest, breaks and stretching can help reduce and alleviate pain. Look for ergonomic gaming chairs, which may help prevent injury. Gaming is popular, but eSports players need to be smart about their health when engaging in play.
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MEDICAL AND HEALTH DIRECTORY
BREAST SURGERY Vidant Breast Clinic - Washington
615 E. 12th Street, Washington, NC
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Vidant Family Medicine–Chocowinity 740 Bragaw Lane, Chocowinity
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INTERNAL MEDICINE Vidant Internal Medicine-Washington 1380 Cowell Farm Road, Washington
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PAIN MANAGEMENT Vidant Pain Management Center - Greenville
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UROLOGY Vidant Urology-Washington 1202 Brown Street, Washington
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NEUROSURGERY Vidant Neurosurgery - Greenville 2325 Stantonsburg Road, Greenville, NC
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It’s time to get back to your active lifestyle. Don’t let knee pain slow you down. Having chronic knee pain shouldn’t mean giving up the things you love. Vidant Orthopedics offers advanced surgical and non-surgical solutions for children and adults experiencing knee pain or injury. When you come to Vidant for surgery or other treatments, we coordinate care with your personal doctor, other specialists and rehabilitation professionals to get you back to your active lifestyle.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement technology now at Vidant. Vidant Orthopedics has a new way to keep you moving: ROSA® Knee System robotic technology. Our specially trained surgeons use the ROSA® Knee System to personalize the approach to total knee replacement – tailoring the placement of your knee implant just for you.
Talk to your doctor to find out if knee replacement is right for you. Vidant Orthopedics Washington 252-946-6513
Learn more at VidantHealth.com/ROSA