Priyanka Tiwari
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Are your kids spending hours glued to reels and video games? Do they stay up late scrolling through social media? If so, it might be time to send them to the Jungle Library.
You’ve probably heard of jungle safaris, but what about a jungle library? This unique concept, launched in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, is becoming a trend. Every month, children from city schools spend three days studying in the heart of nature—away from screens and distractions.
Learning in Nature: A Digital Detox
Amidst the chirping birds and rustling leaves, children immerse themselves in books instead of mobile screens. This environment not only improves their concentration but also reduces irritability. Excessive phone usage is known to cause various health issues, including pinky finger syndrome, a condition where prolonged phone use can deform fingers due to tissue strain.
The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Screen Time
Spending long hours on mobile phones isn’t just a bad habit—it can have severe health consequences:
1. Hand and Wrist Problems
- Pinky Finger Syndrome: The excessive weight on fingers while holding a phone for hours can damage tissues, making the pinky finger bend abnormally.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prolonged typing or scrolling can lead to wrist swelling, putting pressure on nerves and causing intense pain in the hands and fingers.
2. Neck and Spine Issues
Constantly bending your neck to look at your phone can lead to:
- Cervical Spondylitis: Stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders.
- Postural Imbalance: Prolonged poor posture can affect your spine, leading to chronic back pain.
3. Serious Health Risks
- Hypertension & Heart Disease: Long hours of screen time are linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol issues.
- Obesity & Poor Metabolism: Sitting for extended periods reduces physical activity, leading to weight gain.
- Vision Problems: Continuous exposure to screens strains the eyes, causing dryness and blurry vision.
- Mental Health Issues: Anxiety and stress increase with excessive social media consumption.
How Much Time Do We Spend on Screens?
- Young people spend 5-6 hours daily on mobile phones.
- 80% of working professionals use their phones excessively.
- Students spend 20% of their day on screens.
- Employees in multinational companies spend 8 hours on laptops and another 5-6 hours on phones.
Protecting Your Health from Digital Overuse
Preventing Neck and Back Pain
Your spine consists of four types of vertebrae:
- Cervical (C1-C7) – Supports the neck
- Thoracic (T1-T12) – Supports the upper back
- Lumbar (L1-L5) – Supports the lower back
- Sacrum (S1-S5) – Connects the spine to the pelvis
To prevent back pain:
Sit with your back straight and neck aligned.
Use a desk instead of working with your laptop on your lap.
Keep your feet flat on the ground while working.
Take a 5-minute break every hour to stretch.
Incorporate micro-exercises during breaks.
Relieving Spondylitis Pain
- 95% of back pain cases don’t require surgery.
- Yoga and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce discomfort.
- Sleep on a firm surface instead of a soft mattress.
- Increase vitamin D and calcium intake.
- Quit smoking and alcohol to improve bone health.
- Practice daily neck exercises to relieve tension.
Sciatica Pain Relief
- Drink warm turmeric milk with honey.
- Apply a turmeric-coconut oil paste to the affected area.
- Drink ginger tea to reduce inflammation.
- Massage with sesame oil for natural pain relief.
Read More: Five Effective and Natural Home Remedies to Cure Dandruff in Kids and Adults
