Ways Your Laptop is Slowly Killing You!

The news that laptops can negatively impact male fertility--even when a cooling pad is used--has been capturing headlines this week.

So here's some ways that are thought to shorten your life if you use a laptop.

Male Infertility. There is a biological reason that the testes are stored in the scrotum--outside of the body. Sperm production requires a lower temperature than the standard internal body temp. Tech gadgets generate heat--a lot of heat in some cases. There are even Android and iPhone apps specifically designed to max the processor and heat the smartphone up to use as a hand warmer in colder climates. A recent study found that the temperature generated by placing a laptop on your lap--even when using a laptop cooling pad--results in temps that can impact male fertility. Men looking forward to fathering children may want to think twice about using a laptop on their lap.

Hearing Loss. The laptop fan is generally spinning away, and there is the general hum of the inner workings of the laptop. This relatively moderate white noise is not a significant health risk, but can result in impairment or partial hearing loss over time. Users who routinely use headphones with the laptop may subject themselves to significantly higher decibels and be at even greater risk.

Vision Strain. Staring at a laptop screen for extended periods of time can strain your eyes. It can result in headaches, or dry and itchy eyes--and over time it could permanently affect your vision.

Carpal Tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a concern for extensive typing in general. However, space is often more cramped when using a laptop, and the ergonomics are not optimal when trying to type while balancing a laptop on your knees.

Back Pain. Some laptops are quite hefty and when placed in a brief case or shoulder bag it can put a significant strain on back muscles as you lug it around town.