These days there is so much tempting technology to look at: smartphones, tablets, computer games and TV screens. Much of our children’s entertainment and education comes from using them, so it’s no wonder that children spend so much time staring at them. But even if the saying that looking at a screen for too long gives them square eyes isn’t true, there is still some concern that it can affect their eyesight.
So, should we be worried? Certainly for children who spend hours glued to a screen there is a concern that their health might be at risk, and their eyesight is worsening too. Although there’s not much evidence to prove this yet, recent findings have opened our eyes to the issue.
Chris Hammond, consultant ophthalmic(眼科的)surgeon at St Thomas’ Hospital, says, “We know that short-sightedness is becoming more common. It has spread greatly in East Asia, Singapore, South Korea, where about 90% of 18-year-olds are now short-sighted.” Annegret, expert at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London says lack of natural light seems to be the key issue. She’s suggested that children in East Asia study a lot, using computers, smartphones or tablets, and they go outside less, which could be a cause of short-sightedness and an increase in their weight. Wearing glasses is one solution, but it’s not ideal(理想的).
This leads to a dilemma: achieving short-term academic success or protecting your long-term eyesight. It’s always going to be a challenge to drag children away from their screens and it’s likely that more and more studying will be done online, through a screen.
But despite that, Professor Hammond says, “In countries like urban China, where 10% of children in each class per year are becoming short-sighted from about the age of six, there’s an argument for saying we should be trying to prevent it.” It’s evidence we can’t turn a blind eye to. So, maybe it’s time to hit the “off” button and get our children outside.
Care for the Disabled
Yours,
Li Hua
Yours,
Li Hua
My family lived in a tiny apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Every December my mom spread the word to anyone alone on Christmas Eve that she would be having an open house. My mom believed that no one should be alone during the holidays. If she could, she probably would have put an advertisement in the paper inviting the world.
As it was, our tiny apartment was stuffed, every room but my bedroom filled with partying adults on Christmas Eve. Sleep was impossible, but I tried to fall asleep anyway because Santa would not leave gifts for children who were awake. As I lay in bed, I wondered how Santa would even know I was asleep amid all the laughter and how he could sneak in and leave gifts with all those people around.
The Christmas Eve Open-House tradition continued. When I was 8 years old, we moved to the suburb, where we got to live in a lovely, one-bedroom apartment. That first Christmas there, my mom invited anyone she met who she learned would be alone on Christmas Eve一neighbors, co-workers, shop girls, the postman...the list went on.
The next year, a new neighbor moved in next door. His name was George, and he was an older gentleman. He always nodded a greeting when he saw us. It was around Thanksgiving when we saw him park in his space near ours. We were bringing in groceries, and my mom asked him if he had plans for the.holiday. When he said no, and he would spend it alone, my mom mentioned her open house on Christmas Eve.
“Please join us,” I said. He was already shaking his head no.
“But mom’s apple pie is really inviting.”
“I won’t be good company, I’m afraid,” he said. “I lost my wife a few months ago.” His eyes were fill with tears and he turned away. “Thank you anyway!” he called. He went into his apartment and quickly closed the door.
I felt a bit down and decided to do something.
Our friendship began, and soon Christmas Eve arrived.