What effects does technology have on our brains.

In the days before technology when we would read strictly from books, we had to use our imagination to create pictures in our mind about the characters, the scenery, colors, buildings, etc. We might have even imagined certain sounds like birds chirping or cars crashing. This use of imagination would exercise the right side of our brain. In today’s world of on-demand information and technology, the right side of our brain does not get used as often. This can lead to “right brain deficit” and an imbalance in brain development and/or function.

Right Brain deficit

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·        Perception- “Left-side neglect”; this means that they will not see objects or people on their left side or they may have trouble reading words on the left side of a page.

·        Reasoning and problem solving- may not recognize that there is a problem or how to solve a problem.

·        Memory- may not remember information learned or may have trouble learning new information.

·        Social communication- may not be able to understand jokes or nonverbal cues.

·        Organization- may have trouble putting information together logically or may have trouble planning or forgets to respond to calls, texts or e-mails.

·        Insight- may not recognize that they have any problems or, may not realize that their problems cause trouble at home, school, or work.

·        Orientation- may have problems knowing the date, time, or where they are.

Excessive use of technology weakens the frontal lobe. We can have impulsivity, lose attention on tasks, failure to focus and executive function and organizational skills, losing rational and reasoning. The frontal lobe changes in the teens and into the twenties and video games and technology can affect the development of the frontal lobe. The gray matter in the brain shrinks from too much tech and gaming.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218

https://www.littlethings.com/reasons-not-to-give-children-technology/1

Digital Dementia is a term coined by neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer to describe an overuse of digital technology resulting in the breakdown of cognitive abilities.

Tech Neck Not only is our posture being compromised with more time being spent on technological devices but our overall health is suffering as well. Poor posture results in mechanical dysfunction of the spine which not only leads to pain, but also to poor neurological “messaging” from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body.

Tech Buzz: Cocaine, sugar and technology- what do they all have in common?! They will all increase the “feel good” chemical in the brain called dopamine. Several studies show that urges or cravings for gaming will produce changes in the brain similar to those as drug cravings. Therefore, it is easy to get addicted to gaming.

How to reduce the effects of technology in you and your children:

·        Take time to experience nature

·        No tech before 2 and reduced tech before 5 years old

·        Monitor your teens tech time closely

·        Incorporate movement breaks, especially after gaming

·        Advocate free play and creative play (for both children & adults!)

·        Practice good sleep hygiene- turn off all digital in the bedroom and at night

·        Reduce devices at least one hour prior to bed and do not sleep with digital devices in bed or nearby

·        Practice mindfulness

·        Dim the brightness on your digital device and use blue light screen protectors such as install f.lux on your devices

·        Advocate human contact/bonding/communication

·        Employ An “Electronic Fast” & “Screen Free Zones”

·        Practice good posture

·        Get regular chiropractic adjustments for your health!

·        Add an app that looks at you screen time and reduce it by 20% each day to a health amount.

·        Set a timer when on social media for 5-10 min, when the timer goes off stop scrolling, this will reduce the time you are on it and make you aware of the time sucking social media scroll.

Dr. Joelle Johnson is located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive in Red Deer 403-347-3261. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. www.family1stchiro.ca

Arthritis and joint pain - how chiropractic can help

350 million people worldwide are affected by arthritis. Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints are common side effects. Arthritis can affects both young and elderly people. The most common form, osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by repetitive joint trauma and more common in the elderly. Other forms such as Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are a form of an autoimmune disease found in the younger population ranging from 30-60yrs of age.

How can you manage arthritis?

Weight bearing exercise can help reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis because it maintains mobility and keeps muscles strong enough to support joints. A balanced diet and a healthy weight are also vital, as well as is learning proper biomechanics. Helps patients avoid putting too much pressure on them. And when used alongside conventional medicines, complementary therapies such as chiropractic can be enormously beneficial in relieving the pain of arthritis. Whatever type of arthritis you're dealing with, you might well be relying on pain relief medication to function from day to day. But long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) are worth noting. Studies show side effects can range from Kidney damage, Liver damage and heart disease.

Chiropractic: holistic pain relief

With regular Chiropractic treatment, you can take the edge off your pain, and increase mobility making life more manageability. Increased joint mobility, enables patients to enjoy their favourite activities with less restriction. In fact, according to William Lauretti, DC, professor at New York Chiropractic College, chiropractic patients with arthritis often improve without the need for pain medications.

One study, conducted in 2013 and published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the official journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, actually found that 12 chiropractic treatments in combination with a patient education program were more effective for hip osteoarthritis than a daily stretching program or patient education alone. And in 2010, a British analysis of nearly 100 studies found that chiropractic manipulation was helpful for a variety of conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.

How does chiropractic work to ease arthritis?

If the structure of a joint is not right, it’s unable to work as it is supposed to. This is where chiropractic shines by maximizing the function of an arthritic joint. The resulting in decreased pain and better ability to cope in everyday activities.

At Family First, your chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, including a physical examination of every joint and X-rays if necessary. In this way, we will develop a treatment approach that is specific to your issues, always taking the time and care to listen to your concerns and how your arthritis is affecting your life.

Other treatment protocols such as ultrasound or muscle stim. In addition to chiropractic care can also be used to manage joint inflammation and mobility.

The help of a personalized treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, you can find freedom from pain and retain more mobility and independence. Elderly people can perform their daily activity, younger people can stay active at work, meet the physical demands of looking after young children, and of course have the energy and ability to enjoy their hobbies.

If you have any questions feel free to email Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.