Teen boys may experience bone loss from computer screens, a new study shows from Arctic University of Norway. Boys who spend more time in front of the computer have a greater risk for osteoporosis later in life due to a loss of the bone mineral, CTV News reports according to the research. The Arctic University of Norway conducted a study using 463 girls and 482 boys between the ages of 15 and 18 to understand whether bone loss had to have a relationship with the electromagnetic radiation from the computer screens.
CTV News adds that the results were published on April 4, astonishing to find out that teen boys have a greater bone loss than teen girls, even though the same amount of time was spent in front of the computers. Researchers examined the participants by doing interviews and questionnaires, examining children’s lifestyles and habits, and correlated that with the amount of screen time.
Another astonishing result, according to Daily Mail, is that girls who spent more time on the computer screens had stronger bones. Girls were examined in two groups – the first group was spending four hours, and the second six. Those who were spending 1.5 more hours on the screen had better bone mass. With the boys, it is totally the opposite.
However, it was not surprising to find out that more boys were spending their time on the screens. Dr. Anne Winther from the Arctic University of Norway commented that bone mineral density loss is a huge predictor of future fracture risk. Teen boys may experience bone loss from computer screens during adolescence and their lifestyles may have an impact on the bone’s peak mass and density, the research says. According to the University Herald, Dr. Anne Winther is interested in expanding the studies in girls and other population groups.
A third astonishing result about teenage boy was that their bone density was actually higher if they were spending more time in outdoor activities than girls. Girls were experiencing bone mass loss, as reported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Spine Health states that currently in the US there are 2 million men suffering from osteoporosis, and another 12 million are developing the disease if there no medical treatments and lifestyle changes are implemented. In a study in Australia conducted with 4,000 men and women, it was found out that the risk of fracture was the same in both sexes. Spine Health also agrees that males have a higher risk of fracture, and advises men to quit smoking and to have moderate alcohol consumption.
Daily Mail adds that according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in five men in the world over the age of fifty will suffer from osteoporosis, but nobody is doing anything to educate the male population yet. The International Osteoporosis Foundation has chosen to focus their attention to men for the World Osteoporosis Day in 2014, by reminding that tomorrow’s men, and today’s teen boys may experience bone loss from computer screens if they avoid outdoor physical activities.
By Marija Makeska
Sources:
CTV News
Daily Mail
University Herald
International Osteoporosis Foundation
Spine Health
