Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about how you can get all the mental and emotional benefits of a vacation even if high gas prices keep you from taking a trip. We talked about how important it is to your mental health to get away from your routine, and how it’s hard to get into the de-stressed, relaxed mindset if you’re expected to stay in touch with the office. There’s also a physical reason for not using all the available technology to stay in touch.
Dr. Kimberly Mezera, an orthopedic surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says overusing a BlackBerry or other wireless communication device could cause pain. The thumbs aren’t designed for the scrolling action on a device. Although it’s a small movement, it could lead to bigger problems, such as tendonitis. Taking a break while you’re on vacation can ease the pain while easing stress.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/orthopedics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in orthopaedic surgery.
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June 2008
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