Electronics, moderation!

Written by

 

 

Ashish C. Bhatia MD, FAAD 

Written by

 

Eliot N. Mostow MD, MPH 

Written by

 

 

Robert T.Brodell MD, FAAD

Dr. Brodell and I are in our 60s, and Dr. Bhatia is younger. In fact, as a medical student, Dr. Bhatia was instrumental in bringing Dr. Brodell and me into the "digital" era, as he was a computer "native" and we were "immigrants." Of course, the world has changed, and older dogs can be taught new tricks. Like other "seasoned" practitioners, we embrace all that lets us connect in so many ways that were impossible in years past. I like to say that we didn't get everything they imagined in the television show The Jetsons, but we got lots of it.

The problem, of course, is when technology works against our better selves (addiction to almost anything can be detrimental) in making connections to the world. In the midst of the early pandemic, running a practice, mentoring students, dealing with dying family members, one of us (EM) decided to start a new "exercise" regimen, but this time it was a daily meditation. In fact, I turned to an app (Headspace was the one I chose), and, while it took awhile to make it a habit, this daily 5–20 minute start to my day has helped me be more mindful in general, but specifically around when and how I use technology. Similarly, Dr. Bhatia recently left his Apple Watch on an international flight, and realized how being less "connected" enhanced his mindfulness when with family, friends and in clinic. He now wears an ANALOG watch, and only wears the Apple Watch when working out. Though technology is a wonderful tool to connect, it can still distract and detract.

I still love reading news on my phone and iPad, reviewing emails, connecting to others around the world with easily accessible video (I noted The Jetsons), but now I don't go to the phone first thing in the morning, notice when I'm tempted to look at it when I'm in a lecture or meeting (it doesn't mean I won't do that, but just NOTICING is the key), and will surely continue to embrace the joys that are afforded by easy access to tech and the Internet. At the same time, like so many things in life (I'll quote Oscar Wilde), "Everything in moderation, including moderation."

Sent from my iPhone

Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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