Cell phone related injuries on rise, especially for young people
Cell phones are a literal pain in the neck — and face, eyes, nose, ears and head. A new study analyzing national emergency room data shows injuries to those areas of our bodies have risen “steeply” over the last 20 years.
The study found most injuries occurred to people between the ages of 13 and 29 and were due to distracted driving, walking and texting with a cell phone.
Cuts to the face and head were the most common injuries, followed by contusions — bruising of the brain — abrasions and internal organ injuries. Most people were treated and released instead of hospitalized. While these injuries may not appear to be of major concern, the study said, there can be long-term consequences.
“Facial lacerations and subsequent scarring can lead to anxiety and lowered self-esteem,” the authors wrote, especially when infection occurs, which can increase the need for scar revision and other cosmetic surgery. Repairing facial lacerations costs the United States health care system approximately $3 billion a year.
