SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED ABOUT DIGITAL DEMENTIA? What It Is, Where It Came From, and What It Could Mean for Our Screen Time
Everyone forgets things. It’s not unusual to have trouble remembering the name of someone you’ve just met or recalling the face of a classmate you haven’t seen in 20 years. But it’s less normal — and a lot more inconvenient — to become chronically absent-minded. If you find yourself struggling to remember the minutiae of daily life, which page of a book you left off on, or when it’s time to pick your kids up from soccer practice, digital dementia could be to blame. The term “digital dementia” was coined in 2012 by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer, who studies how our addiction to technology is impacting our brains. According to Alzheimers.net, Spitzer found that “overuse of digital technology is resulting in the breakdown of cognitive abilities in a way that is more commonly seen in people who have suffered a head injury or psychiatric illness.” Because of the shared symptoms, Spitzer called the affliction digital dementia. In the years since, speculation has abounded about the causes of digital dementia and how people can fight it. A 2017 Forbes article theorized that the problem isn’t just time spent with screens but how much we rely on our smartphones to feed us once- memorized information.
“In theory, having a device to store phone numbers, dates, maps and directions, and other information like that frees you up to focus on bigger and theoretically more important things,” Tony Bradley wrote in Forbes. “If you just use your device as a memory crutch, though, and you don’t take advantage of the opportunity to put your brain to work on other things, you aren’t exercising your brain, and it will atrophy.” Psychology Today blamed digital dementia in part on the mental strategies encouraged by video games. According to one study, gaming encourages the “response” strategy of following the same rote movements, while nongamers tend to use the “spatial” strategy of relying on landmarks when they navigate, which is better for mental sharpness. Whatever the root cause, we can take steps to fight digital dementia. As Dr. Carolyn Brockington told Alzheimers.net, the best strategies involve stepping away from screens and relying on brainpower. The next time you’re considering picking up your smartphone, try reading a book, playing a musical instrument, hitting the gym, or learning a new language instead.
BUSTED! Debunking Common PRP Facial Myths
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy was first developed in the 1970s, and since then, this powerful regeneration treatment has healed many ailments. But since its inception, many myths have swirled about its use and treatment options. We’ve debunked three of these myths about PRP facials below.
the natural make-up of your skin, your habits, and the expert applying the procedure. For starters, the components in your skin and how healthy it is can impact how the facial is applied and how your skin reacts to it. However, when you receive a PRP facial is just as important as who you receive it from. While the treatment has high standards, it’s similar to spa and beauty treatments in the sense that many providers have their own technique to ensure positive reactions for their clients.
Myth: Any esthetician can do a PRP facial.
Reality: A PRP facial is actually a medical procedure rather than a spa treatment. While the effects of a PRP facial could have your skin looking and feeling better than many spa treatments, the medical components of the procedure require providers to obtain specialty training. Many reputable providers of the treatment are licensed to ensure proper technique and methodology. (This includes our very own in-house expert, Denise Dial!)
Myth: PRP facials hurt!
Reality: There’s some truth to this. PRP facials can involve some discomfort, especially if you are prone to pain, are not properly hydrated, or are receiving the treatment on a sensitive part of the skin. However, the procedure also involves a numbing agent that is designed to limit the amount of pain patients experience. In addition, the technique your PRP technician uses will influence how much pain you feel during the procedure. (Denise prides herself on making you feel comfortable throughout the process!) PRP facial and hair regeneration treatment can be intimidating for those who don’t understand the facts surrounding this revolutionary procedure. Learn more about what this process can offer you by calling 562.980.0555.
Myth: Your face will be bloody afterward.
Reality : This is a tricky one! Your face’s reaction to a PRP facial is dependent on a variety of factors, including
2
562.980.0555
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker