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
·
·
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.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment