NPSD Technology Director Robin Lutcher shares resources on digital health and wellness.

1. Digital Health & Wellness
February Digital Citizenship Message

2. Digital Health & Wellness
• One of the nine vital branches of Digital Citizenship. It
describes the mental and physical well-being when using the
internet.
• This may include: ergonomics, the physical well-being and the
posture of the body while using the internet and safety of
important body parts, such as the eyes.
• This branch of Digital Citizenship also emphasizes the
potential risks and dangers when using online websites.

3. Digital Addiction
• Recent scientific studies are now showing that: " it may be possible
to experience habit-forming chemical reactions to behavior as well
as substances"(Young, 2012).
• Internet addiction has become an international problem that is now
being recognized as a serious problem. Internet addiction can cause
excessive fatigue or loss of sleep, academic problems, withdrawal
from friends and family, and behavioral problems in those who
suffer from it. Different types of internet addiction can include
cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions such as shopping and
gaming, and information overload.
• It’s important to set a certain time limit and adhere to it. This will
help to learn to do something other than using the internet for
games. Overall the internet can be very helpful for all kinds of
research and shouldn't mainly be used for fun games.

5. Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the safe physical use of the computer. This
may include:
– Picking the right mouse and keyboard. Arthritis can
develop from constant typing and clicking.
– Sitting up straight: Make sure you are straight up in your
chair with your back flat against the back and your feet on
the ground.
– Maintain a safe distance from the screen. Do not sit too
close, do not stare at the screen for long periods of time.
– Do not sit for long periods at a time. Frequently get up and
do other activities.
– Simple exercises to warm up the body.

6. Ergonomic Illustration
Guidelines for teens
Make sure you are not sitting too
close to the monitor - about an arms
length away for 40cm screens is
recommended.
At least every 20 minutes look
away from the screen for at least 30
seconds.
Remember to blink - we often
blink a lot less when reading and
looking at a screen, which causes
eyes to be uncomfortable, blurred
and dry.
Use enough lighting - inadequate
light can force your eyes to work
more and to make you move closer
to the screen. Too much light can
lead to headaches and sore eyes.

7. Some Websites
http://digitalcitizenship.asb-wiki.wikispaces.net/Dig+Health+%26+Wellness
http://digiteen09-1.flatclassroomproject.org/Digital+Health+and+Wellness
http://lhscommtech.wikispaces.com/Digital+Health+and+Wellness
https://sites.google.com/a/aea11.k12.ia.us/heartland-digital-citizenship/healthwellness

8. Thank you!