"Screen Time" Mistake HARMS Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 6, 2023
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
For many folks, reaching for their smartphone is the FIRST thing they do in the morning before starting the day.
And putting that phone back on its charger is the LAST thing they do at night before slipping under the covers.
Many of the hours in between are spent using all the modern electronic devices that we can’t live without – from laptops to smart TVs to virtual assistants.
In many ways, these machines enrich our lives. They help us stay in touch with loved ones, entertain us, and keep us informed.
Heck, you’re even reading THESE WORDS on one right now.
But the truth is, all those glowing screens have a dark side too. Researchers warn that the risk is growing. And if you’re a senior, you may be in even MORE peril.
Most of us have at least a few LED screens around our home. Another in your pocket. Maybe even one in your car.
There’s no question they’re useful. But those displays also emit a wavelength of damaging “blue light.”
It can have negative health consequences regardless of your age. But recent research revealed that seniors, in particular, may be in harm’s way.
The lab study, published just last year in the journal NPJ Aging, used fruit flies to test how blue light affects health and longevity.
And it soon became clear that the older flies suffered MORE damage than the younger ones.
When the researchers analyzed the data, they concluded that older HUMANS are likely more susceptible to the harmful effects of blue light as well.
And the damage is cumulative, meaning it builds as we age.
Naturally, blue light can harm the eyes. But experts say the light can cause damage from head to toe.
You see, blue light mucks with our sleep/wake cycle or circadian rhythm. And this creates a domino effect, damaging cells THROUGHOUT the body.
This research is still in its infancy. We have a LOT more to learn. But there’s already plenty of evidence that continuous exposure to blue light harms your health.
The good news is you CAN dial down your risks.
- Limit your exposure to screens. Try turning them off at dinnertime and keep them off for the rest of the night.
- Check to see if you can adjust your screens to put out less blue light. Many newer devices include this option.
- Wear special glasses designed to block the light.
Our electronic devices are here to stay. We can’t live without them anymore. But we CAN make our relationship with them a healthier one.
P.S. Check out my earlier report, “Could Your TV GIVE You Diabetes!?” for the disturbing details on another blue light risk.
Source:
“Age-dependent effects of blue light exposure on lifespan, neurodegeneration, and mitochondria physiology in Drosophila melanogaster.” NPJ Aging, 8, 11 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-022-00-00092-z
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Let Go of Leg Pain and Reclaim Your Mobility
Are you struggling to walk as far as you used to? Or maybe your legs ache after just a short stroll? You might be the victim of a hidden epidemic affecting millions… But there’s no need to panic. A breakthrough study has uncovered a game-changing solution that could have you sprinting past your grandkids in...
100% Sweat-Free Hack Improves Health from Head to Toe
We’re constantly bombarded with health advice. Well-meaning folks insist that to be healthy, we must do everything from extreme workouts to strict diets. But what if there was a simple, painless way to significantly improve your health that takes just minutes a day? Look no further than your bathroom cabinet… Flossing your teeth might seem...
The Cognitive Time Bomb Ticking in Senior Brains
Scientists just uncovered a hidden menace lurking in the brains of MANY seniors. Chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. Most folks haven’t. But it turns out this relatively unknown brain condition may be as much of a trigger for dementia as Alzheimer’s. In fact, it might be affecting you or your loved ones...
Mailbag: Ditch the “8 Straight” Sleep Myth
“I have a problem sleeping, mainly waking up in the middle of the night, and having trouble going back to sleep.” Awake Again Hi Awake, You’re not alone. Millions find themselves staring at the ceiling in the wee hours, desperately willing sleep to come. Countless folks are convinced they’re doing something wrong when they repeatedly...
Sweet Cancer Breakthrough Creates a Buzz
That jar of honey in your pantry might be more than just a sweet treat. In fact, if it’s the right variety, it could be a secret weapon against one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. (Can you even imagine a world in which fighting this killer could be as simple as...
EASY Morning Routine Fights Frailty
Think you don’t have a muscle loss problem? Think again! The fact is we ALL lose muscle mass as we age. It starts sometime in your 30s or 40s and ramps up in your senior years, between 65 and 80. In fact, you can lose up to eight percent of muscle mass every decade! This...
“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk
Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? (And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!) In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself. Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a...
Tiny Troublemaker Ramps Up Arthritis Pain [5 Ways to Fight Back]
If you’re one of the millions living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be surprised to learn that the key to managing your condition could be right under your nose—or, more precisely, in your mouth. Recent research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncovered a fascinating link between oral health and the severity of arthritis symptoms....
Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests
You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...
How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...