PAST MEETINGS

February 1, 2016 - Hammondsport Mac Users Group

ATTENDING : Tom B, Gene N, Larry T, Al J, Carol B, Jerry L, John M and Nancy D.

TOPIC : COMPUTERS & HEALTH

At our meeting we shared a variety of questions and experiences related to the effects that computers have on our health, both for good and sometimes not so good. Nancy mentioned that some friends now are able to wear a USB device similar to medical alert bracelet, which can carry vital information in the event of a medical emergency where special medicines are needed for treatment and to alert caretakers of unique health issues involved. The USB device can be plugged into a computer for instant access to data.

Also a couple people in the group reported that they could now access their test results via the internet without having to wait for the results to be sent from their doctors. Also the internet links could be used to supply their doctors with important updates or concerns.

Another helpful use of computers is for exercise and training feedback, such as the popular FitBit .

Carrots and Death

Tom mentioned the importance of keeping a sense of proportion and balance when reading about possible harmful effects of computers on our health. Correlation is not always causation. Example: every person who ate carrots in the year 1875 is now dead.

The Lunatic and the Spider

A lunatic carrying a spider in his hand stopped a doctor in the hallway of the asylum and said "Look- I have trained a spider to obey my voice." He then said "Go left" and the spider moved left. Then he said "Go right" and the spider moved right. Then the lunatic pulled off the spider's legs one by one and said "Go left" and the spider remained motionless. Then "Go right" - still no reaction. The lunatic then pronounced his conclusion: pulling off a spider's legs causes deafness.

RECENT ARTICLES ABOUT HEALTH AND COMPUTERS

	'Are Constant Email Notifications a 'Toxic Source of Stress?' TELEGRAPH, UK - A culture has developed where people must feel they are constantly available for work, study reveals (read more)

	'Is Your Smartphone Making You Hallucinate?' NY POST - Ever reach for your vibrating smartphone in your pocket, only to find it didn’t buzz at all? You’re not alone. It’s called “phantom vibration syndrome” (read more)

	'19 Worst Tech-Related Health Risks' GREATEST - With cell-phones confirming dinner reservations, Facebook giving us new friends, and laptops as light as air, technology may seem nothing but valuable. But hold on iPhone 5-noise-cancelling-bluetooth users— technology can also be a huge hazard to our health. (read more)

	'How To Prevent Digital Eye Strain' BOSTON (CBS) – We spend way too much time on devices like computers and smartphones and as Dr. Mallika Marshall explains, that may not be good for our eyes. (read more)

	'Infomania - Hi, I'm A Digital Junkie' LA TIMES - This diagnosis was given to me, half in jest, by Dr. Dimitrios Tsivrikos, consumer psychologist at University College London, when I described my symptoms to him. (read more)

	'10 Shocking Facts about the Dangers of WiFi' GLOBAL HEALING CENTER - Wi-Fi is convenient but many have raised doubts concerning the safety of unseen forces that permeate everything around us. Since the introduction of Wi-Fi in 1997, researchers have performed dozens of studies to explore the subject. The results are clear and shocking (read more)

	'Rehab Camp For Internet-addicted Teenagers' (walking, ping pong, card games) WASHINGTON POST - Since he arrived at the camp, Yoon Yong-won had experienced recurrent nightmares. He was playing a game on his phone, and the image of the phone in his hands was so vivid. But then he woke up with a fright and stared at his hands: empty (read more)

	'Chronic Stress Could Lead to Depression and Dementia, Scientists Warn' INDEPENDENT UK - A major review of published research suggests that chronic stress and anxiety can damage areas of the brain involved in emotional responses, thinking and memory, leading to depression and even Alzheimer’s disease (read more)