It added to mounting research that associates heavy Internet use with addiction, depression, anxiety, obesity and other health risks.
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A new study from researchers at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit found that teenagers who spend a minimum of 14 hours a week on the Internet had high blood pressure.
In the study, the researchers have assessed data compiled from 335 teenagers aged 14 to 17.
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 teens described by researchers as heavy Internet users, 26 had elevated blood pressure.
If so, there might be a medical reason to cut the amount of time you spend online, after American researchers discovered a link between internet use and high blood pressure.
Watch out: long hours spent browsing the Web-whether for updating social media accounts, sending email, or participating in forums-may be increasing one’s blood pressure. The participants had their blood pressure taken during a physical exam and were asked to complete a 551-question survey of their internet use during the week leading up to the exam.
“Teens considered heavy internet users were on the internet an averageof 25 hours a week.” -Dr. “I recommend to parents they limit their children’s” time at home on the internet. They also found that more black teens reported being heavy Internet users when compared to white teens, while more boys than girls were using the Internet overall.
“Using the internet is part of our daily life but it shouldn’t consume us”. Two hours a day and five days a week is a good thumb rule according to Bushrow.
Dr. Cassidy-Bushrow says the findings provide valuable information for school nurses for monitoring the health of students.
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The researchers also said that conducting regular health screenings at schools is very important and useful. Students diagnosed with high blood pressure are recommended to have a follow-up visit to know the next steps for the condition, she added.
