Lower The Risk OF High BP By Reducing Internet Usage: Teen Health

Teenagers who are heavy internet users are at greater risk of health problems like high blood pressure, according to a new study.

Physical exams were conducted on 335 teens aged 14 -17 who also filled out questionnaires on their internet habits.

In the study, Internet use was defined as visiting websites, playing games, doing homework, emailing, instant messaging, downloading software, shopping and creating or maintaining Web pages.

Of 134 teenagers described by researchers as heavy internet users, 26 had elevated blood pressure.

The study’s lead author and a researcher at Henry Ford’s Department of Public Health Sciences, Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, Ph.D., reminded that everything should be taken into moderation, including internet use. The research paper is addition to growing list of concerns unveiling about a link between excessive time spent on the internet and increased health risks.

Teens today are very fond of Internet and spend most of their time of Social networks like facebook and whatsapp.

The authors believe this is the first study to match internet use with blood pressure among adolescents. 43% of the boys were addicted to the internet as compared to 33% of the girls.

The researchers also found that 43 percent of heavy internet users were overweight compared to 26 percent of light internet users.

She also said taking breakes regulary while using internet is very important for better physical and mental health. The researchers said that it’s important that young people take regular breaks from their computer or smartphone, and engage in a few form of physical activity, recommending parents to limit their children’s’ time at home on the Internet. “I think two hours a day, five days a week is good rule of thumb”.

The study was published in the Journal of School Nursing. Students diagnosed with high blood pressure are recommended to have a follow-up visit to know the next steps for the condition, she added.