Phones stressing teens
70%, using phones for over 6 hours a day, hit by cardio-toxic stress
Cardio-toxic stress hormones are released in those who are addicted to smartphones for more than six hours a day, say experts who found 70 per cent of teenagers suffering from this.
Psychologist P.N. Nair said, “We find many teenagers are nervous handling small issues or facing another person due to an argument they have had over social issues. These are small issues but they are tense as they have not dealt with such things.” The problem is seen among those who are low on confidence. “During these times, they have anxiety and panic attacks and they are stressed out,” Dr Nair said.
The increasing stress is also due to physical inactivity.
Dr Shyam Kalavalapalli, senior consultant endocrinologist, said, “The effect of smartphones on hormones is indirect. A sedentary lifestyle gives rise to problems of obesity, physical inactivity, too much of sitting and being in a single position for long. The sedentary lifestyle leads to problems of poly cystic ovarian disease in young girls and weight gain is an issue seen in both the genders.”
Overstimulation of the brain due to a constant single activity leads to problems for other motor movements in the body. Dr S. Kishore, senior endocrinologist, said, “In many teenagers, the hormonal changes are being seen as their pattern of sleep is affected. As their biological clock is tampered with, they show sleep-related issues and insulin resistance. The stress hormones are working hard to protect the body and their overworking is leading to an imbalance.”
Experts said that effects would be longterm, and are being seen among patients in their early 30’s in the form of early onset of diseases like diabetes, fertility problems and abdominal obesity.
THE STRESS HORMONES are working hard to protect the body and their overworking is leading to an imbalance. — DR S. KISHORE, Senior endocrinologist Doctors prescribe five basic steps to get over the smartphone addiction Spend three hours outside: either playing, walking or spending time outdoors with friends.