Too much of an addiction
It is unfortunate that mobile phones have now become an addiction, instead of a necessity (“Distraction among top causes of road deaths”, Gulf News, September19). According to a survey, a vast majority of people remain busy on their cell phones while driving, traveling, at religious places or while sitting with their family. It has also been observed that young boys and girls are totally absorbed with their mobiles, which makes them lose interest in studying. Many people use their cell phones late in the night, which is ridiculous. Cellphone addiction is called ‘Nomophobia’. If you are obsessively checking your phone and you feel anxious when you are not on the network, you could be suffering from nomophobia. Overuse of mobile phones can affect the social and psychological well-being of a person. There is some evidence supporting the claim that the excessive use of mobile phones can cause or worsen health problems. Studies show that mobile phone users experience headaches, impaired memory and concentration, fatigue, dizziness and disturbed sleep. These are all symptoms of apparently radiation sickness.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
UAE
Treat those affected with care
September 21 was observed as World Alzheimer’s day. It is a disorder, which impairs memory. It’s disheartening to see our loved ones slowly forgetting us and being alienated within the family itself. It is estimated that at present around 44 million people are suffering from Alzheimer’s. A person with Alzheimer’s attracts social stigma, isolation and personal discrimination. Proper training should be given to caretakers, and patients should be treated properly. As human beings, we live in the present and we move ahead with our past. A state where we do not recognise our spouse or our children is really sad. Let us create more awareness about Alzheimer’s among our friends and relatives, and console and love those affected. We have seen eminent personalities like Ronald Regan, Malcolm Young, Rita Hayworth diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and they fought the disease. Let us also hope for a breakthrough in science and manage to find a cure for this disease.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Metro madness
I travel by the Dubai Metro and would like to share my experience. I have noticed that passengers who are going to get down at later stations, stand near the Metro door and obstruct the way for other passengers. We are all aware that the Metro only stops at the station for a few minutes, but in return, these people stand near the doors and block the way. You have to have to push them to get out. I request the Metro authorities to put up a ‘give way’ sign to allow people to board the trains and get off freely. I think this will have some effect on the daily commute, because day by day, the crowd in the Metro is getting bigger. Many people are unable to get into the train especially when the front area is fully blocked. If we each help each other, we can all have a free and comfortable ride in the Metro.
From Mr Prasad Warrier
Sharjah
No way out
This is incredibly sad (“Teenager’s death led to Sharjah family suicide pact”, Gulf News, September 18). When desperation is so overwhelming it looks there is no other way out! I wish these people could have sought medical help. If they had, maybe the tragedy could have been avoided.
From Ms Ioana Askar
UAE
Facebook comment
Keep the world clean
There have been many articles, community reports and awareness campaigns on the importance of keeping our surroundings neat and tidy (“Students clean up public park,” Gulf News, September 18). We often see our nearby areas and waste bins completely overflowing. When our living area is not maintained, it can cause the spread of diseases. If we pollute our surroundings, it affects our life, the Nature we live in and our future. If we join our hands together to make our surroundings tidy and well organised, the results are always hopeful. There are many reports of illness these days, and this is caused by the pollution of the environment. We have to blame ourselves. It would be good if educational institutions made an effort to raise awareness about keeping the environment clean from an early age.
From Ms Athira R. Nair
Oman
Lost faith in message
I used to respect the United Nations but they have become corrupt like most organisations (“The United Nations explained”, Gulf News, September 18). I rejected an internship with them because I stopped believing they were on the right side of peace. Hopefully the delegates will truly understand the plight of others. Their lack of response regarding the refugee situation was abyssmal. It’s easy to sit in a nice conference hall and say you ‘condemn’ the bad things happening in the world. Too many people are suffering. How long are they going to just keep discussing matters instead of acting on them?
From Ms Shipra Roma
Dubai
Facebook comment
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
