Attention all texters! Be aware, move with care

Concordia: So far as road safety is concerned — whether you're driving, cycling or simply walking down the street — nothing is more crucial than being aware of what's going on around you. Lyne Denis, an investigator and preventionist with Concordia's Security Department, says pedestrians nowadays are distracted by electronic devices, and often don’t pay attention long enough to make sure they're not walking into traffic.

Texting may help relieve pain during minor surgery

NHS: "Need pain relief for surgery? Try a text," the Daily Mail reports. The advice was prompted by a small study that found people who used a mobile phone during minor surgery were less likely to require additional pain medication. During surgery, participants in this study were allocated to texting a close friend or family member, texting a research assistant they did not know, playing Angry Birds, or receiving usual care. Researchers found patients who used a mobile phone to text someone were less likely to need additional painkillers during surgery. Interestingly, people who texted a research assistant tended to need slightly less painkillers than those who texted somebody that they knew.

Youth Risk Behavior United States, 2013

Many high school students in the USA engage in behaviors at risk for disease and mortality, according for the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2013 report.

• 41.4% of high school students nationwide who drove a car or other vehicle had texted or e-mailed while driving, 
• 34.9% had drunk alcohol, and 23.4% had used marijuana. 
• 14.8% had been electronically bullied, 
• 19.6% had been bullied on school property, and 
• 8.0% had attempted suicide. 
• Many high school students are engaged in sexual risk behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV infection.

Some risk behaviors have decreased (physical fighting, cigarette use, and sexual activity) while some have increased (having not gone to school because of safety concern, obesity and overweight) and some have not changed (suicide attempts treated by a doctor or nurse, having ever used marijuana, and having drunk alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse).
The good news is that current cigarette smoking among high school students is at its lowest level in more than 20 years.
Source: CDC