Computer and other electronic games can be heaps of fun. Addictive too. You can load up and lose yourself in a new challenge for hours. And this is when the games can become dangerous.
Scientists have investigated back, neck and shoulder pain in more than 100,000 students, aged 12 to 18. They found that numbers of young people experiencing back, neck and shoulder pain increased steeply between 1993 and 2001.
The scientists said that between 30 and 51 per cent of young people are now at risk of this type of pain.
Causes
Sitting in the same position for long periods of time, performing the same movements over and again, and hunching over when using a computer mouse can all cause pain.
So make sure you regularly take a break when using a computer. By all means enjoy electronic games but sit comfortably. When you hit a 'save point', save, log off and stretch those tense muscles. Better still, go for a walk, ride a bike or play some ball games with friends. Remember that we need to be physically active for at least an hour a day to stay healthy.
After exercising, if you do return to the computer your focus and energy levels will be much higher. You'll wipe out those monster rabbits, no worries.
- Tim Pegler is the editor of www.fitness2live.com.au
Reference:
Hakala P, Rimpela A, Salminen JJ, Virtanen SM, Rimpela M (2002) Back, neck, and shoulder pain in Finnish adolescents: national cross sectional surveys. British Medical Journal 325: 743.
Related reading:
Why Exercise?
What About Yoga?
