How Modern Lifestyle Affects Public Health
A lifestyle is the conventional way of people to spend their lives in a particular region of the world. It shows the reflection of social habits, attitudes, behaviors, interests, priorities, thoughts, trends, reactions and values of inhabitants of a specific area during the course of life. In simple words, lifestyle is the preferred way, according to which a person lives.
What are the Factors affecting Lifestyle?
A lifestyle neither can be the sole choice of a person nor exactly follow an individual's desires.?Rather, lifestyle is predominantly affected by multiple factors. For instance, geographical (regional), economic, cultural, religious, political and technological factors collectively fabricate the lifestyle of an individual.
Some of these factors affect a region as a whole. For example geographical and environmental factors will offer the same terrestrial attributes and climate conditions to a whole region. Barren or fertile lands, rainy or dry seasons and similar conditions will define an outline of day to day activities of inhabitants of that region. Their professions and social activities will largely depend upon these common things. Natives of fertile land will be more inclined towards cultivation and agriculture. People of barren lands will surely go for other things e.g. business, jobs etc.
Likewise religious and cultural factors e.g. events, celebrations, festivals will generally affect the whole area. Political activities will also have an integral impact on the whole area. In contrast, economic conditions can have an exclusive impact on a person’s lifestyle.?
Technological advancements, more or less, have affected the lifestyles of all earthlings.?
What is Modern Lifestyle?
Modern lifestyle is a result of the natural human instincts to improve and modify things. Nothing is static in our universe but change is the only constant. Currently, our lifestyle is most affected by the advancement of technology. This heavily impacted lifestyle which exhibits imprints of advanced technology and social media is known as Modern Lifestyle.
?In our modern lifestyle, we are surrounded by automated machinery instead of a natural environment. Technology has made our lives too convenient. Fastest possible communication, easiest ever connectivity, 24/7 accessibility to all types of entertainment, and invariable approach to accomplish any task has changed our lives dramatically. Use of the internet, mobile phones and social media, automatic household and industrial machinery has remarkably facilitated our lives and minimized our time consumption as well.
What are the Effects of Modern Lifestyle on Our Lives?
Consequences of modern lifestyle are apparently helping and constructive. But on the other hand, they have their dark sides. Convenient daily lives have pushed us towards a sedentary lifestyle. Easy and fast communication have made our relationships superficial. Transportation networks have consumed much of our natural fuel resources. Uninterrupted connectivity sometimes ruins our relationships. Advanced health facilities have significantly contributed to the congestion and rising population. Industrialization has occupied the space of nature. Collectively, due to all technical advancements, today’s man is too busy to observe self-care. He has less time to enjoy nature and take care of his beloved ones. The man, belonging to Modern Lifestyle, is trying hard to chase the speed of the modern world, to cope with the challenges of the present era. Particular groups of humans having time e.g teens, prefer to invest their time, health and energies to social media interests and activities.
Here we need to discuss the effects of modern lifestyle on health.
How Modern Lifestyle affects Public Health?
Health is a most important concern of our lives, which has been immensely bothered by our so-called Modern Lifestyle.
Following are some means by which public health is troubled by modern lifestyle.
Dietary (Ghidha’i) Habits
Our dietary (Ghidha’i) habits are crucial to sustain a healthy life. In modern lifestyle, we prefer more intake of junk food (fast food), fried and fat-containing, high calorie and unhealthy diets (Ghidha), instead of healthy and fresh vegetables, fruits and salads without creams. Consequently, we are deprived of essential dietary (Ghidha’i) components and stuffed with fats. We are more vulnerable to various diseases (Amrad) due to insufficient immunity and put on unnecessary weight with increased BMI (body mass index).
Sedentary Lifestyle
Automated technology has made our lives easy and minimized our physical activity. We are willing to be in our comfort zones and try to get more comfort in our lives. Limited physical exertion due to nature of work, lack of exercise due to our easygoing nature and absence of outdoor games (sports) due to video and mobile games or social media interests are factors that compromise our health and physical fitness (Sihhat Jismani). Increased fat deposition leads to obesity (Siman Mufrit), high BMI (body mass index) and subsequent ailments.
Sleeplessness (Sahr)
In the modern age, we have a lot of interesting activities regarding social media and mobile apps, which appeal to us, even after a busy day schedule. It is a common practice to check our mobiles at nights. Most of the time, interest in this sort of activity consumes the time of sleep and rest. As a result we are left with less time to sleep, which badly affects our mental (Sihhat Dimaghi) and physical health (Sihhat Jismani). Lethargy, malaise, tiredness, poor concentration and poor attentiveness are primary consequences of sleeplessness and night awakening. Long Term outcomes may include anxiety, restlessness, depression (Inkhifad) and other psychological disturbances.
Addictions
Addiction, in the modern age, may be abusive materials or medication. Cigars and cigarette smoking, vaping, and frank alcohol consumption is the part and parcel of modern culture. People adapt these addiction, by fashion, just to get in and enjoy modern lifestyle. Various heart diseases (Amrad), hypertension, asthma, lung disorders (Amrad) (e.g. COPD) and cancers are the obvious result of these addictions. On the other hand, the unnecessary use of antidepressants, anti-anxiety and tranquilisers is also trending in modern lifestyles. Besides addiction, there are several side effects of these medicines on public health.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution, including air, water (marine) and land, is the evident result of massive industrialization and transportation. Air pollution causes several lung disorders (Amrad) e.g bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Water pollution causes multiple diseases (Amrad) of the digestive system e.g. diarrhea (Ishal) and dysentery (Zahir) etc. Land pollution contains cancer (Saratan) causing agents and also can be a reason for liver damage.?
Noise Pollution
Sounds produced by heavy industrial machinery, vehicles and other things collectively induce noise pollution in the environment. This noise pollution leads to hearing (Quwwat Sami‘a) disorders, hearing (Quwwat Sami‘a) loss, depression (Inkhifad), frustration and anxiety.
Teenagers of current times like to enjoy loud music with high bass. This high volume can also affect human ears and hearing ability.
Obsession of Technology
Frequent and long term working on laptops, mobiles and systems may lead to serious injuries to our body e.g text neck syndrome, computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain etc. There may be postural backache (Waja‘ al-Zahr), disk slips and other disorders (Amrad) of backbone. Moreover, headache (Suda‘), dry eyes, light sensitivity and vision (Quwwat Basira) related problems may also occur.
Medical Advancements
In the modern age, the medical field has been remarkably advanced. Due to better medical facilities, there is an increase in birth?and?decrease in death ratio. It seems to be good apparently. But it has other consequences of rising population, overcrowding and congestion on earth. Human congestion can result in shortening of natural resources and various epidemics.
Isolation
Use of social media is a short term entertainment. We want to be connected with our friends, family, colleagues and even some unknown people by using social media. At some point in our life, we must get fed up with our formal social circle. At that time we really need live socialization but we don’t find anybody for this purpose. In this way, while trying for a successful social circle, we actually isolate ourselves. Being a social animal, man can never tolerate isolation and is caught by multiple psychological disorders (Amrad) ?e.g. depression ?(Inkhifad), aggression and anxiety.
Abuse of Social Media
Excessive and irrational use (abuse) of social media i.e. watching, listening, and reading abusive content have strong negative impact on sexual (Quwwat-i-Bah) health of youngsters and their moral values as well. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and night time emission are very common complaints.
Which Disorders (Amrad) are Caused by Modern Lifestyle?
Cardiovascular Diseases (Amrad e Qalb)
High fat diets (Ghidha) and sedentary lifestyle play a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases (Amrad e Qalb).?Fatty diet (Ghidha) causes fat accumulation at the walls of blood vessels. Small blood vessels are narrowed and passage of blood becomes difficult.?Perfusion (blood supply) of the heart is compromised which results in heart attacks and other complications.
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accidents)
Stroke is commonly known as paralysis (Falij). It occurs due to brain damage. Fat accumulation in blood vessels of the brain renders its perfusion compromised. Stroke can also be due to huge pressures build up inside and subsequent rupture of blood vessels. Environmental factors cause hypertension and anxiety, which develop such a huge pressure.
Diabetes
Limited physical activity, fat deposition, smoking and alcohol consumption trigger and facilitate the onset of diabetes
Hypertension
Consumption of unhealthy, fatty diets (Ghidha) is a major factor causing hypertension. Intermittent high blood pressure can be caused by noise pollution.
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High Cholesterol (Asfara’in) Level
High cholesterol (Asfara’in) level is also a result of a high fat diet and limited physical activity.
Anxiety & Depression ?(Inkhifad)
Anxiety and depression (Inkhifad) is a very common health issue in modern lifestyle. Noise pollution, sleeplessness, addictions and excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety and depression at some stage.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease)
It occurs by long term active or passive smoking, alcohol consumption and passive intake of traffic smoke. Alcohol and tobacco have devastating effects on health.
Atopic Diseases (Amrad) (Allergies & Asthma)
Particles in the atmosphere e.g. from smoke of traffic and industrial wastes can trigger attacks of bronchial asthma.?
In 2009, Herbert et al conducted a study which revealed that western lifestyle can contribute to the prevalence of atopic diseases. Atopic diseases (Amrad) include skin allergic condition and asthma. According to the researcher, we may get an increased genetical tendency of skin allergies and asthma due to modern lifestyle.
Epidemics of Diarrhea (Ishal) & Dysentery (Zahir)
Contamination of water reservoirs with pathogens or industrial toxins can prevail epidemics of diarrhea (Ishal) and dysentery (Zahir). Congestion and overcrowding acts as cofactor to prevail contagious diseases.
Infections
Several viral and bacterial infections can be caused by environmental factors and congested states. COVID 19 Pandemic is the latest example.
Cancer (Saratan) & Malignancies
In our modern lifestyle, we are surrounded by machines, away from nature.?Various toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, asbestos, cyanide, and chromium are released by pharmaceutical, pesticide and fertilizers industries in air and water as well. These substances also contain carcinogens (cancer causing substances). As we continuously inhale and ingest these particles, we are at high risk of getting cancer (Saratan).?
Gastrointestinal (A‘da’ Tabi‘iyya) Disorders
Conventional use of carbonated drinks, in modern lifestyle, badly affects our gastrointinal tract (A‘da’ Tabi‘iyya). Bloating, belching, abdominal discomfort, indigestion and acidity are common outcomes.
Obesity (Siman Mufrit)
Obesity (Siman Mufrit) is a main outcome of modern life style. In our modern lifestyle, we don’t require sufficient physical activity. Instead we utilize automated machines for our daily working.?On the other hand, we have a lot of cheesy stuff and junk food items to eat. These two factors invariably result in obesity (Siman Mufrit).
Insomnia (Sahr) & Blue Light Insomnia
Sleeplessness is another major issue of modern lifestyle. Youngsters sacrifice their rest time for social activities (including social media, meetups and parties) and get results of sleeplessness e.g. tiredness, lethargy etc. In elderly, this sleeplessness converts into a significant clinical symptom i.e. Insomnia (Sahr).
Blue light (short wavelength light) emitted from electronic devices (e.g. LEDs and smartphones) causes suppression of melatonin hormone and subsequent neurophysical alertness. Melatonin is naturally occurring enzyme in human body, essential for sleep induction. Behind the eyes, there is a point which detects blue light and send negative feedback for melatonin secretion. Insufficient melatonin induces insomnia (Sahr), namely blue light insomnia (Sahr).
A significant proportion of youngsters and a majority of elderly are dependent upon sleep medication and tranquillizers, which in turn have their own side effects.
Vision (Quwwat Basira) Related Syndrome
Computer Vision (Quwwat Basira) Syndrome (CVS) or Digital Eye Strain is the set of symptoms caused by prolonged use of laptops, tablets and smartphones. Poor and blurred vision (Quwwat Basira), headache (Suda‘), dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain are included.
Hearing Loss & Headphone Hearing (Quwwat Sami‘a) Loss
Hearing (Quwwat Sami‘a) insufficiencies are caused by noise pollution and excessive use of high volume (high bass) headphones. Hearing (Quwwat Sami‘a) loss is a gradual process. Accompanying symptoms may be ringing, hissing and buzzing in ears, muffled sounds or sensation of plugged ears and inability to hear in noisy places.
Text Neck
Text Neck is a type of repetitive stress injury (RSI). Signs and symptoms include neck upper back and shoulder pain, forward drawn head, difficult?neck movement with pain and headache (Suda‘). Excessive and prolonged usage of smartphones and tablets can induce text neck.
Lumbar Sprains (Watha) & Strains
Our backbone is largely affected by screen posture while using a laptop or PC. Office workers are more often victimized. ‘Lumbar spine sprain (Watha)’ involves ligament or joint capsule tear while ‘lumbar strain’ involves tendon or muscle tears. Symptoms include muscle tightening, swelling, back and hip pain.
Disc Injury
Faulty postures while using system screens, can cause herniated disc (disc Slip) of backbone. It may be manifested with backache (Waja‘al-Zahr), leg pain, paraesthesias of lower body (i.e altered or false sensations), or gait difficulties, combination of these.
Computer Back or Student Back
Alternative names of this syndrome are Posterior Cervical Dorsal Syndrome and Sterno-Symphyseal Syndrome. It involves an over-curved structure of back and forward drawn head and rounded shoulders secondary to prolonged use of systems. Most commonly found symptom is increased muscular tension of shoulder, neck and arms. Advanced symptoms may include neck, back and ribs sprain (Watha), increased load on the intervertebral disc and diaphragm dysfunction.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is another Repeated Strain Injury and also known as lateral epicondylitis.?It is inflammation of the common extensor tendon (i.e. tendonitis) at the lateral side of the elbow.?Tennis elbow commonly causes mild to moderate elbow and forearm pain, increased by grasping and holding things.?
Mouse Shoulder
As the name indicates, it is due to adjusting inappropriate mouse position. Muscular spasm (Tashannuj) of shoulder blade results in referred pain in arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve of the hand. It is also a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include abnormal sensations like numbness and tingling in thumb, index and middle finger, difficulty in holding thing, dropping of things and difficulty in pinching as well as other thumb movements.
Text Claw (De Quervain Syndrome)
Text Claw or De Quervain Syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Due to overuse of smartphones and tablets, the muscle of the thumb gets inflamed. Movement and straightening of the thumb becomes difficult.
Sexual (Quwwat-i-Bah) Dysfunctions
Modern lifestyle vastly affects our moral values. Malicious and abusive data is easily accessible to each age group on their electronic devices. In teens and young adults it leads to increased sexual desire (Quwwat-i-Bah) and abusive activities. From the health’s aspect, it causes spermatorrhea, night time emission, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunctions and subsequent depression (Inkhifad) .
Conclusion
Concluding the whole discussion, modern lifestyle owns some advantages and also some disadvantages. On one hand, it makes things easy for us. On the other hand, it piles up multiple problems for us. Public health issues are one of those crucial issues. The only way to survive safely is to spend a balanced life. There must be a purposeful use of luxuries of modern lifestyle. Side effects caused be irrational and excessive use of favors given by modern lifestyle, must be prevented.
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