Sure, he had to grapple with polio and World War II. But did your grandfather ever have to tango with anything so sinister as Facebook? Or, even worse, “cybersickness”?
The world today may seem like a much much safer place than it was in your grandpappy’s day. (Because it definitely is.) But there are a few new threats out there that weren’t around when The Greatest Generation was coming of age.
Superbugs
Although almost unheard of before 1992, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause flu-like symptoms—or even death—infect up to 2 million people annually, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The root of the problem seems to be the overuse of antibiotics to safeguard the health of livestock, the CDC explains. Bacteria evolve to resist those antibiotics, and then spread to people through our food supplies. To protect yourself, wash your hands with soap for 30 seconds after handling meat and cook it thoroughly to kill any bacteria present, the CDC advises.
Facebook-Related Depression
The more time you spend browsing through your feed, the worse you feel, according to a study from the University of Michigan. Seeing all the exciting things your “friends” are up to may make your own life seem uneventful and depressing by comparison, the researchers speculate. The obvious solution is obvious: Spend less time on Facebook. Talking on the phone or meeting with friends face to face has the opposite effect on your mood, the study authors say.
Cybersickness
At first, this condition—which is similar to motion sickness—was relegated to 3-D moviegoers. But cases of headaches, vomiting, and dizziness are now on the rise among people who play 3-D video games, shows research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The iPhone’s newest operating system has also been linked to cases of cybersickness, which occurs when your sense of motion doesn’t match up exactly with what your eyes are seeing, say the study authors from Saint Peter's College in New Jersey. While your brain will eventually learn to manage the digital dizziness, if you feel nauseous or your head starts to ache, take a break from whatever screen you’re staring at, the researchers advise.
Drug-Proof STDs
Rates of sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. Even more alarming: There’s been a recent surge in cases of drug-resistant gonorrhea infections, which can lead to infertility and an increased risk for HIV, the CDC warns. The tried-and-true advice: Wear a rubber. Here are the 4 condoms that feel best during sex.
