More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A Kent hospital has appeared on ITV's Lorraine Kelly show as part of a campaign to get mobile phone users to "look up".
TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones interviewed lead physiotherapist Bridie O’Loughlin at Benenden Hospital about a condition called "tech neck" - which is caused by constantly looking down at smartphones.
The digital detox campaign was aired on the breakfast TV show yesterday.
It comes after the ITV show revealed that people look at their mobile devices every 12 minutes.
It is estimated that 78% of people now own a smartphone compared with just 17% in 2008 – with 95% among 16 to 24 years old.
Figures also show that people spend about two-and-a-half hours a day on their phones with many looking at them within just five minutes of waking up.
Dr Hilary Jones said: “Technology is evolving so fast that in many ways it is outstripping the body’s ability to keep up with it.
“The human head weighs around 10-12lbs. However, when the neck bends forward the weight on the cervical spine can be as much as 60lbs.
“That’s the equivalent of a sack of potatoes, 57 pints of milk, 18 medium chickens or 126 avocados.”
Dr Hilary Jones was filmed in one of the hospital’s operating theatres, the main atrium and the physiotherapy suite.
He previously officially opened the new hospital building following a multi-million pound redevelopment, and also switched on the hospital’s Christmas lights.
The private hospital provides physiotherapy for sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, extensive orthopaedic rehabilitation, joint pain, overuse injuries, rheumatic problems and respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
It also offers one-to-one pilates sessions, acupuncture, electrotherapy, manual therapy, sports massage and breathing exercises.
To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.
