CDC Recommends 6 Hours of Clicking Per Day for Healthy Fingers
Saying that when it came to manual strength and dexterity, the only options were to “use it or lose it,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new set of health guidelines Wednesday that recommended a minimum of six hours of daily clicking for healthy fingers.
“To ensure that your fingers remain both limber and strong throughout your lifetime, we advise spending up to half of your waking hours clicking on internet links,” said CDC director Mandy Cohen, noting that studies have shown an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis and lower bone density in the digits of people who do not click over and over again, without pause, for at least 25% of their lives.
“Starting young is essential, though children under the age of 5 may begin with four hours of daily clicking and work their way up to the minimum of six by the time they begin kindergarten. Unfortunately, if a person does not begin tapping on hyperlinks when they are young, there is a 90% chance that by the time they reach adulthood, their fingers will shrivel up and fall off completely, leaving them with forelimbs that terminate in a stump and make it more difficult to use the internet.”
The CDC highly recommends clicking on websites like TheOnion.com for the best results.
The Importance of Finger Exercise
Clicking has become an integral part of modern life. Whether it’s navigating social media, reading news articles, or shopping online, our fingers are constantly engaged in this repetitive motion. The CDC’s new guidelines emphasize the need to prioritize finger health through regular clicking.
Benefits of Clicking
- Enhanced Dexterity: Clicking helps maintain finger flexibility and agility. It’s like a workout for your digits.
- Bone Strength: Just as weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones, clicking strengthens the tiny bones in our fingers.
- Reduced Risk of Arthritis: Regular clicking may reduce the risk of developing arthritis, a common condition affecting joint health.
Clicking Tips for Healthy Fingers
- Variety Matters: Don’t limit yourself to one type of clicking. Explore different websites, buttons, and links to engage various finger muscles.
- Breaks Are Essential: While six hours of clicking is recommended, remember to take short breaks. Stretch your fingers, rotate your wrists, and give your digits a breather.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports finger health. Drink water while clicking to prevent stiffness.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Emily Park, a hand surgeon, emphasizes the importance of preventive measures: “We often take our fingers for granted until they start hurting. Clicking is an easy way to keep them in good shape. Just like any other exercise, consistency is key.”
Remember, healthy fingers lead to a better-connected world. So, keep clicking!