Cell phones, social media, and health

An article on cell phone use and fitness made me think about my own cell phone and computer use. The article says that people who use their cell phones the most are the least fit. They cited statistics about college students who spend up to 7 hours a day on the phone. And get this – only 5 calls! The rest is texting and social media. Yikes!

But it makes sense that being on the phone that much would take away from fitness time. Cell-PhonesThere are so many messages out now about focusing more, doing less multi-tasking, and yet we spend so much time on phones and computers. A few years ago my kids spent some time with their cousins who were teenagers. Their cousins sat around the house talking and texting on their phones – for hours. My son will never live down his distressed quote: “Why are they always talking and texting? Talking and texting – that’s all they do!!” He just wanted to go outside and play! But his cousins were typical teenagers.

Hopefully we can spread the message of healthy lifestyles and the importance of getting off the phone (and computer) and getting outside again. Cell phones are great for convenience and even safety, but they can also contribute to less active lifestyles. I’m working on spending less time on social media and the cell phone. In fact, I’m going to go outside and walk the dog right now!

This entry was posted in about diabetes, diabetes care, diabetes research and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.