Units 9, 10 and 11, have taught us about the body, how it works and all the different systems associated with it. Along with all that info, we have also learned that the body is not perfect. Our bodies are able to suffer from defects as well, such as excess white blood cells, cancer, ulcers, etc. Technology has become so advanced that we have come up with many scientific gadgets and gizmos that help us understand the internal systems in our bodies (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, etc.) at a whole new level.
One problem that is rising in today’s population is society’s need for more active lifestyles. Back then, a kid’s idea of fun would be to play outside and run around until your legs would fall off, but now its television shows, and video games till you have to go to bed. With so little exercise in one’s everyday life, weight gain has skyrocketed. The attention to this issue has increased as studies have shown that kids are becoming more obese and unfit each passing year. These societal needs have led to certain scientific and technological developments. Let us name a few shall we.
1. Haier America Trainer portable media player
This device includes a heart rate monitor, pedometer, a calorie counter and a stopwatch, and it’s even an mp3 player! It measures the motions you make, and can distinguish if you’re walking or running. (so you can’t cheat! :p)
2. FINIS: Circuit Trainer
This timer helps direct your workouts to improve your circuit interval strength. It helps users focus on working out and improving results.
Game consoles like the Wii, also help us live more actively in a more fun way (since we’re more focused at beating the game, instead of how much weight we want to lose). The technology mentioned above relate to the circulatory system, as it helps monitor heart rate and helps us to better understand our bodies and its limits when it comes to exercise and active lifestyles.
Ever hear people complain about how their allergies are bothering them? Or ever hear someone talk the pollution in the air or second hand smoke? Or even "go green" campaigns that are trying to bring peoples attention to methods to have cleaner air? Societal needs for cleaner and purer breathing environments have also contributed to scientific technological developments. Air purifiers are machines that (self-explanatory) help purify the air in your home. Just like air pollution outside, air in the home may not be the cleanest air you can breathe in. It may contain bacteria, smoke, ozone and so much more. [If you didn’t know, Ozone is an irritant to the lungs and respiratory system which trigger asthma and allergies.] All of these gadgets show how much technology and science has developed together. Who would ever think that an mp3 player could measure your heart rate? I would have never guessed. Our specific needs have influenced scientific and technological developments. These needs connect with the way we live our lives to come up with ways to help us fulfill what our body and our internal systems need to function to their best ability. Although not all developments may be technological (like special antioxidant drinks that help cleanse the digestive system) our time has developed many scientific discoveries that help out internal systems.
The way I see it.. is like this:
If the body was a skyscraper, our internal systems would be the infrastructure/poles holding it up. The societal needs would be the many levels, and the scientific and technological developments would be the stairs and elevators that help us reach the top floor. Everything we do is always interconnected with one another, one factor influencing another. Just how in this blog I mentioned how our societal needs lead to science related technology developments. :)
referrences:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-air-purifier-health-benefits.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/187369/gadgets_to_help_you_get_fit_lose_weight.html
http://www.squidoo.com/Respiratory
http://library.thinkquest.org/5777/cir1.htm
