On one side of this debate we have people screaming that technology has led to our uber sedentary lifestyles and that it is a prevalent reason for the current state of our youths’ health. According to livestrong.com obesity rates in children have tripled in the past 20 years and is believed to be due to high calorie consumption and limited activity/exercise. “Teens manipulate a joystick instead of a baseball bat. The television has become a constant companion, replacing outside play” (Livestrong.com).
It’s also been shown that children’s excessive use of video games and other sedentary activities are impacting on the sensory development of our youth. Putting on my speechie hat now, we have also seen a huge increase in the number of early intervention clients coming through the clinic as books are replaced with movies, play time replaced with apps and verbal interactions are fast being replaced with typed/visual interactions. But before we sharpen our pitchforks and declare an outright war on the Technology Industry, let’s have a look at the benefits it brings when utilised in a controlled environment.
I used to be on the ‘anti’ bandwagon. Thinking that my health was deteriorating because of the new fandango age I was growing up in and believing that the lure of sitting down at the computer with a cuppa, a muffin and a good facebook stalk was just too strong. Hold the phone…rather than focusing on technologies that may be detrimental to our health (ie. losing hours on facebook; sitting instead of moving etc). These are just SOME of the amazing ways that technology is revolutionizing the health and wellness community.
+ The blog world. Oh holy tolitoes. Healthy information, recipes, workouts and motivation are but a click away. Instead of buying a trashy magazine that leaves you feeling crappy (ie. one telling you how Jessica Simpson lost 10kg of baby weight in 2 days and how you can too. Spoiler – she just doesn’t eat and has a live in trainer kick her ass for 4 hours a day) why not curl up with a cup of green tea and pour through the wealth of health and wellness blogs and get planning. Choose a new recipe you want to have a go at this week; find an at-home workout that you can do once you pop the kids to bed; find a story that resonates with you and motivates you to go out and become your very best self. My faves? Move, Nourish, Believe; The Wellness Warrior; Daily Garnish; and of course my own little corner of the web Bless This Mess.
+ Instagram and Images. I am obsessed with instagram; pinterest; tumblr and google images. If ever you are feelin’ a little ‘meh’ and have no desire to get yo’ ass out of bed or are in a bit of a health hiatus just surf the net baby! It is absolutely overflowing with encouragement, positivity and motivation. Beautiful photographs paired with divine loving words are just a single click away. Have a look through specific hashtags by searching # and then whatever you’re after. My faves? #fitspo #wellness #healthyeverydamnday #mnb
+ Facebook. There are groups upon groups of different community organisations and endeavours that you can jump in on and get active. Think running groups; bowling groups; cycling groups; yoga groups; chi groups; laughing groups – the list is endless. Have a search around, make some friends, get happy and healthy and join the fun.
+ Apps. Ok, since a few fast food chains developed apps in which customers can order meals at the touch of a button, I was a little suspicious that apps were being taken over and would result in an overwhelmingly unhealthy nation. But since this time, Lorna Jane has released a fabulous app that uses your phone as a GPS and allows you to make your movements and daily exercise targets; MyFitnessPal allows you to track your calorie intake quickly and conveniently; Spirit Junkie allows you to set your morning alarm and leaves a motivational affirmation for you to kick start your day in the most positive ways imaginable. The lists are infinite. Have a browse through the app store and start using your phone as a tool for your health and wellness!
+ Wii and Playstation. Personal training, planned workouts and balance regimes at home? Yes please! It really makes you realise just how far technology has come when you play with the Wii Fit or Playstation Kinetic – it blows me away. I’ve had a go with kickboxing, tennis, yoga, hula hooping, running, golfing, bowling, personal training … all in the comfort of my own home and while sporting the oldest pair of tracky dacks that you have ever seen. Get the kids involved and teach them that just because their video games are inside, doesn’t mean they can’t get sweaty and have fun!
This is just skimming the surface. The health department and health industry are all too aware that this is the direction society is moving towards and they’re busting their asses to keep up with the times and encourage healthy nutrition, exercise and mental health with the aid of these technologies.
What are your favourite uses of technology for health? Share your thoughts on Emma’s FB page
Yours in health and love, Em.
by Emily Meagher, from BlesstMess
