Health Issues That Affect Young People More Than Their Parents

Today’s young people face vastly different circumstances than their parents did at the same age. There are certain things that those born prior to the 80s simply did not experience while growing up — such as ever-present technology — that have become defining issues for the well-being of millennials.

Of course, there are many things young people can do to protect their health. The first step is gaining awareness of the health issues that are affecting millennials more than prior generations, such as:

Neck Pain

In recent years, the phrase “sitting is the new smoking” has become popular; in fact, it is now widely accepted that prolonged sitting is detrimental to your health. But, what can you do if you have a desk job? To protect your health, it is essential to pay attention to what your body is telling you. For instance, if you remain seated with your head bent over a computer screen all day, every day, you will likely develop neck pain at some point. Don’t ignore it. Your body is signaling that it needs an opportunity to recover, and the best way to do so is to get up and move around from time to time.

Eyestrain

Much like the other muscles throughout your body, the muscles that move and focus your eyes can become overworked and tired. Too much screen time can strain your eyes, which in turn can cause headaches, eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and general fatigue. Give your eyes a break by powering down your electronic devices and perhaps spending some time outdoors instead.

Acid Reflux

Indiscriminately taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can pave the way for future heartburn. Gastrointestinal distress among millennials is steadily on the rise, and some experts attribute the increase to frequent NSAID use for screen headaches. Although staring at a computer screen may be unavoidable if it’s part of your job, you might try forgoing the NSAIDs and instead relieving your headache pain with natural remedies, such as drinking plenty of water, applying cold compresses, and getting enough sleep, to promote good digestive health.

Hearing Loss

Some experts believe that millennials are being exposed to much higher noise levels than prior generations, mainly due to the prevalence of personal listening devices. While it is still unclear whether the younger generation is experiencing more or faster hearing loss than their parents, it is important for millennials to consider their hearing as part of their overall health, and to discuss any issues or concerns with a physician.

Anxiety & Depression

Due to today’s 24-hour news cycle, millennials simply do not see the world from the same perspective that their parents did at the same age. Rather than living with the threat of violence, young people are living with the reality of it, and this is contributing to an increase in mental health issues among millennials, such as anxiety and depression.

The Good News

Despite the rise in these health-related issues among millennials, many doctors and mental health professionals agree that this generation is more open and honest about their health than previous generations. By being upfront with their healthcare providers, millennials can protect their health in the best possible way.

If you would like to discuss a health-related issue with a doctor, visit South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL, where our experienced medical team treats patients of all ages. Contact us or stop by our walk-in clinic today.