iThumb? I don't think so

The iPhone recently launched to much fanfare around the globe, further highlighting our desire for constant electronic communication, at least for the younger generation. But with text messaging, instant messaging and email all at your fingertips, should you worry about getting “Blackberry thumb?”

“Doubtful,” said Jerome Congleton, Ph.D., professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health and an expert in ergonomics and occupational health.

“Moderation in life and ergonomics is the key. If you are going do a lot of keying, an external mouse and keyboard is the answer along with raising your flat screen. The likelihood of repetitive motion injury (from cell phones) is not likely because of the recovery period between usages.”

While you may worry about your children, parents or even grandparents “texting” too much, a bigger concern is sending and reading messages while driving, which is not an uncommon occurrence. Since phones have been in cars, experts have said the safest way to talk is to pull off the road and park. The same advice holds true for reading and sending messages.