To Our Health: iPads and Tablets, Feeling on the Edge, Shaping Up Before a Hike

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Evidence on this blog shows that we love to read.  We're always suggesting books that we've enjoyed and that others might like.  Most recently, Joan H. suggested The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer, as one that she couldn't put down once she began to read.

So, that's good.  But what could be the downside?  Many of us are using our electronics to access our reading material or using our iphones to read the news and catch up on texts or emails.  That's still good. 

1.  The downside is that the dreaded short-wave blue light emitted from our electronics can be a problem if we're reading in the 2-hour span before bed.  According to a study in Applied Ergonomics, using a tablet during that time can reduce the body's production of melatonin by 23%.  As reported in Women's Health, (March, 2013, 36) melatonin is "a hormone necessary for sleep."  Women's Health suggests some ways to combat the downside of bedtime reading:

• Limit reading to 1/2 the time; then make sure all lights are off;
• Purchase a "filter that blocks shortwave blue-light emissions";  (or my personal favorite):
• Alter the settings on the tablet so that you're seeing white words on a black background.

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2.  Feeling On the Edge  Some of the best advice in print comes from Self, (February, 2012, 134). "We...fear falling off imaginary edges, too often thinking there's only so far we can stretch,
so hard we can push.  The most dangerous limits are those
 in our own head.  When you feel you're at your edge,
 look again.  You can go farther."






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(Our thanks to Joan H. for her book recommendation.)



3.  A Hiking Hint  For the hikers among us, a useful bit of info

might relate to building up stamina on the treadmill.  A 3% incline appears to best approximate hiking outdoors. (Journal of
Strength and Conditioning Research as reported in
Women's Health (March, 2013, 36).