How far are we willing to go for entertainment? It’s bad enough that most of us have been relegated to couch potato status a majority of the time, but we always want more. Thanks to such “pioneers” as James Cameron, the latest trend of 3D movies and television has taken the world by storm. Since its popularity began to rise in theatres and people were happy to shell out a few extra bucks to watch things pop out at them again, some electronics companies began to mass produce home TVs with 3D capability. Thousands of dollars more expensive than even the current high end HD TVs, and requiring the viewers to wear special glasses which are not cheap either, people are still flocking to it because it’s the new big thing.

News comes now though that there may be some more risks involved than you might think of with this new technology. Samsung issued a notice about their 3D TVs that warns of potential seizure risk, but not just for the normal people you might expect that warning to apply to. We all know that any sort of television can cause problems with those who suffer from epilepsy, but Samsungs warning spreads to a much wider audience.

Here is a small section of their release:

“Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games. If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered vision; (2) lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/or (10) disorientation. Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.

Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects. If you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided.”

We all know the risk of seizure for those susceptible to it, but stroke? Oh wait, there’s more:

“Watching TV while wearing 3D Active Glasses for an extended period of time may cause headaches or fatigue. If you experience a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop watching TV and rest.”

“Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers. DO NOT place your television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that may cause you to injure yourself.”

No risk, no reward I know, but this seems to be a pretty high price to pay for entertainment. For the full statement by Samsung, here’s the link:

http://www.samsung.com/au/tv/warning.html

Cardiovascular
Some treatments of non steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) drugs can help prevent the occurrence of stroke and heart attack in people who are more at risk. For example, many people get relief from the blood thinning effects of a low dose aspirin regimen. However, most other NSAID drugs besides aspirin can increase blood pressure. When using drugs like this, be sure to not exceed the recommended dosage as it can increase your risk for cardiovascular events.

Gastro-Intestinal
NSAIDs can eliminate substances in the GI system that protect the lining of the digestive tract. This, combined with the acidity of many NSAIDs can cause irritation, and potential bleeding. Nearly 20% of all people who regularly take NSAIDs experience some form of gastro-intestinal irritation. Unfortunately, this often leads to ulcers in the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum (part of the small intestine).

Liver disease
Liver damage from NSAIDs are rare, and usually occur in those who are already suffering from some form of liver disease. However, studies have shown that certain drugs can increase the level of liver enzymes that circulate through the blood stream. If your doctor has determined that there may be an increase in these enzymes, stop using NSAIDs right away. These enzyme levels will usually decrease after you stop.

Asthma
Over 20% of adults already suffering from asthma say that the symptoms get worse when they take aspirin. Some cases have even been reported of aspirin causing respiratory problems and difficulty breathing in people without asthma. These symptoms are highest among those wh also have had nasal polyps or recurring bouts with sinusitis.

NSAIDs
Aspirin, along with a number of other NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are used by many Americans not only for pain relief, but also to help thin the blood to reduce risk for stroke or heart attack. What you may not know is that it can also deplete folate and vitamin C from your system, making you more susceptible to cold, flu, and other infections that someone with normal levels may not be. Low levels of folate have also been linked to increased risk for various cancers including breast and colon cancer.

Calcium Channel Blockers
Used to treat high blood pressure, most people are more familiar with diuretics than calcium channel blockers. While it seems to be common knowledge that diuretics (which cause water excretion) can cause the depletion of important nutrients, it’s less known that calcium channel blockers can cause the same effect. The major nutrient lost because of this is potassium, which low levels of can cause fatigue and weakness of muscles. Because of this, blood pressure can rise in response to the added stress- which completely negates the intended use of the drug in the first place.

Fibrates
Prescribed to patients who have trouble managing cholesterol with statin drugs, fibrates can help to raise HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as triglycerides. On the downside of this equation, they can also lower natural levels of both vitamin E and coenzyme Q10. Low levels of vitamin E can increase risk for nerve disorders, heart disease, and cancer to name a few. Deficiencies in CoQ10 will usually result in muscle weakness and sometimes pain.

Diabetes drugs
The most popular oral medication for diabetes, metformin, makes cells more responsive to insulin and reduces weight gain and excessively low blood glucose better than other drugs. In addition to lowering blood sugar, it also lowers levels of vitamin B-12 and folate. Depleted levels of these vital nutrients can lead to bouts with depression, forgetfulness, and fatigue.

Nail biting
Nearly 30% of young adults bite their nails, and there are reasons beyond ugly hands for breaking this bad habit. Biting your nails can interfere with normal nail growth and damage your tooth enamel. Not only that, but there are plenty of harmful bacteria that live underneath your fingernails, which you certainly don’t want to bite into. Keep your nails trimmed short and there will be less to chew on, and less space for bacteria to live as well. If that doesn’t work, the same products used to stop thumb sucking in children will make your finger nails taste just as terrible.

Losing sleep
Your body depends on sleep not only to recharge energy, but to recharge your immune system. Hormone levels, appetite, and mood are also affected by the amount of sleep you get. Needless to say, there are serious consequences to sleep deprivation, not to mention the effects it can have on your appearance (wrinkles, dark circles, etc.). Treat your sleep like a serious diet to make sure you get enough of it. Keep track of things like caffeine intake and time spent in front of a TV or computer monitor to find out what might be causing your lack of sleep.

Fear of Flossing
Most dentists will tell you that a majority of their patients don’t floss regularly. They’ll also tell you that gum disease is the most preventable disease there is when you practice good oral hygiene, including flossing. Know what else they’ll tell you? That more and more research points to the link between gum disease and more serious concerns like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. See where this is going?

Midnight snacking
The idea of late night eating isn’t so bad itself, it’s the fact that you’re probably not eating the healthiest snacks by the light of the fridge. Combine this with the fact that stomach acids have much easier access to the esophagus when you lay down while you’re still digesting that slice of cold pizza. Try to go to bed earlier and limit the time between dinner and when you might snack, or snack earlier and healthier.