Despite advances in modern medicine, rates of several major illnesses have increased dramatically over the past 25 to 50 years, and modern health problems have emerged. If you’re looking to take charge of your health, make sure to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the issues outlined below.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a growing epidemic across America, and scientists believe that the increasing use of personal music devices may be partially to blame. According to the World Health Organization, more than one million teenagers and young adults are currently at risk of hearing loss, and almost 30 percent of adults in their 50s already have some degree of hearing loss. This medical problem is associated with an increased risk of depression, and it is also linked to an elevated risk of dementia in older adults. Experts suggest that everyone over the age of 40 have a hearing test performed regularly, and individuals should listen to songs at only 60 percent of the maximum volume. Earbuds should be used for no more than one hour at a time.
Opioid Addiction
In 2017, opioid addiction was declared a public health emergency by the Department of Health and Human Services. More than 130 people die each day from this type of drug addiction, and 11.4 million individuals misused prescription opiates in 2016. Fentanyl is one of the opioids that is frequently misused, and many patients who have substance use issues with this medication will experience fentanyl withdrawal before they’re able to beat an addiction. Symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. To get help for opioid addiction, patients should speak to their primary care doctor about finding the most effective treatment facilities. Special medications can be given to ease withdrawal symptoms and promote recovery.
Screen Addiction
From cell phones to computer screens to video game consoles, screens are everywhere in modern life. Screen addiction refers to screen time that is excessive and interferes with daily life, including meal times, school work, or employment. Individuals with a screen addiction often spend more time at their screen than they do in real-life interactions, and they may get little physical exercise. Screen usage can be a major source of conflict in family life, too. Individuals who are having trouble reducing their screen time may wish to use features that block certain websites, and deleting certain apps may also help. If these measures are not effective, seeing a licensed counselor may enable patients to treat this condition effectively and regain a healthy balance between screen time and real life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Between 1990 and 2010, the number of Americans living with type 2 diabetes tripled, and experts estimate that the prevalence of this condition will increase by 54 percent by the year 2030. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make or process insulin as effectively as it should. It is caused by chronically high blood glucose, and patients who have obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are at an increased risk of this form of diabetes. Possible symptoms of this chronic ailment include increased thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Individuals with these symptoms should see their healthcare provider for an evaluation. If type 2 diabetes is confirmed, treatment options include diet and exercise modifications, oral medicines, and insulin injections. Patients may benefit from consultations with a nutritionist, and starting an exercise regimen could help improve symptom control.
Text Neck
As the name suggests, text neck is a condition caused by the repetitive straining of the neck that occurs when people look down at their phones to send text messages. Patients can also get this condition from prolonged gaming or video watching on their phones and tablets. Neck pain, stiffness, and tingling sensations in the area are the primary symptoms. To prevent text neck and manage symptoms, experts recommend that patients raise their screen to eye level so that they do not have to tilt the head. Keeping a straight posture can help as well. Taking periodic screen breaks to stretch the neck muscles may reduce pain and stiffness.
Modern life means modern health problems. This is especially true when it comes to our health and well being. Fortunately, with modern problems come modern solutions – those experiencing the negative effects of modern living have at their disposal the means to do something about it.
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