Is Your iPad Causing Your Chronic Pain? Can't live without your tablet, laptop, or smartphone? These gadgets may be convenient, but for many, they may also be the source of chronic pain.

Michele Rouse, a 30-something billing manager in Rockville, Md., isn't all that different from a lot of people fond of electronic gadgets. She loves her smartphone, adores her ipad, worships her laptop and seems to spend almost all of her waking hours on one or another of them.
But about two years ago, her chronic use of electronic devices turned into another type of chronic problem — pain. "It started out as headaches that became more and more severe over time," Rouse recalls. "Eventually, it turned into shoulder pain that became so bad that I had trouble using my arm."
Rouse is one of a growing number of Americans who have developed chronic pain as a result of using smartphones, iPads, and other trendy electronic devices. "Surprise! Your keyboard may be the most dangerous part of your office," notes Moshe Lewis, MD, a pain management specialist in private practice in Redwood City, Calif. "Computer use is one of the leading causes of office-related repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)."
Fortunately, Rouse was able to get a handle on her computer- and smartphone-related pain. By modifying the way she uses her electronic devices, Rouse has kept her pain at bay.
If you experience similar pain while using smartphones, iPads, or computers, take a look at the specific problems these devices can cause and how you too, can solve them.
Desktop Computers: Shoulder and Neck Pain
If your desktop computer is causing you pain, then it is probably set up in a way that strains your muscles, explains Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc., and author of Pain Free 1-2-3 — A Proven Program for Eliminating Chronic Pain Now. "Classically, shoulder and neck pain are especially problematic if people are not keeping their wrists and elbows resting on a stable surface," he says. "Because of this, it is important to have a proper wrist support, and it is helpful to use a chair where your elbows are on the armrests." Other steps to help prevent pain while working at a desktop computer include use of an ergonomic keyboard and placing the monitor slightly below eye level to prevent neck strain.
Laptops: Stress on Your Wrists and Neck
You may have noticed that the term "laptop" is slowly being phased out in favor of "notebook." That, explains Dr. Lewis, might help eliminate part of the problem with these handy portable computers. "Your lap is a terrible surface for a portable computer," he says. "Not only does your lap overheat a computer, but the hip-height keyboard and screen puts strain on your wrists and your neck. Your lap is less steady than a table, which also makes for high-stress typing."
In addition to using a table instead of your lap, Lewis has these suggestions to help eliminate problems with portables. "To reduce risks for repetitive strain injury, try elevating the computer to eye-level and connecting an external keyboard to your laptop," he says. "This will allow you to use the computer as comfortably and ergonomically as you might use a desktop." Lewis also warns that if you are at risk for RSIs, it may be best to avoid buying an ultra-compact netbook. "Netbooks have keyboards that are smaller than regular laptops, and this can increase the likelihood of typing with incorrect posture."
Tablets: Strain on Fingers and Hands
Tablets like Apple's iPad are all the rage, but these cool new toys are not without their chronic pain risks. "Prolonged use of tablet computers can cause different forms of repetitive strain injuries to the fingers and hands," notes John L. Pappas, MD, the medical director for the Beaumont Centers for Pain Medicine in Royal Oak, Mich. "Good posture and frequent, short breaks can help minimize these symptoms."
If you are using your iPad or other tablet like a little computer, Lewis says you can avoid problems by following the same protocols suggested for a laptop: Buy the right accessories to set the screen at a comfortable working height and use an external keyboard.
Smartphones: Thumb and Finger Injuries
Smartphones are arguably the most widespread phenomenon of recent years and a potential cause of chronic pain. "Texting and phone browsing have become key parts of professional communication, and they have simultaneously become a frequent source of repetitive strain injuries," says Lewis. "Smartphones tend to be heavier than regular cell phones. This extra weight can reduce blood flow to the thumbs when using the phone, causing thumb injuries and aggravating carpal tunnel syndrome. Android phones and iPhones increase your risk for the very reasons they make such enticing gadgets — the touchscreen and added functionality makes them more useful, and thus they tend to keep your fingers active when you might otherwise be still."
Lewis suggests a few simple solutions to curb the chronic pain related to smartphones. "You should use both thumbs when texting, and take breaks in between writing messages," he says. And Lewis has a radical suggestion for those who just can't stop texting and emailing from their smartphones: "If you find your hands truly in need of a rest, try an old-fashioned remedy: Use your phone to talk instead of type."

By Wyatt Myers

Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Lake County, Florida Explosions Reported At Blue Rhino Gas Plant

Video, News, Florida Explosions, Lake County, Lake County Florida Explosions, Florida Explosion, Lake County Explosion, Rhino Explosion, Rhino Explosions, Rhino Propane, Green News

Explosions at a gas plant in Lake County, Fla., were reported on Monday night.
The series of fiery blasts began in the town of Tavares around 11 p.m. at Blue Rhino, a company that describes itself as "America's #1 propane tank exchange brand."
There were no reports of fatalities, but seven people were taken to area hospitals. Two workers escaped the plant unharmed.
Arial footage of the scene showed fires burning over a large area, and shooting large flames and plumes of smoke into the night sky, The Associated Press reported.
Resident Norma Haygood told Orlando's WESH 2, "It sounds like bombs are going off."
Instagram user megzrenee posted:

Residents within a 1-mile radius of the plant were evacuated, The Orlando Sentinel reported, but that order was lifted at 3 a.m. on Tuesday after the fire was contained.
Blue Rhino is a subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, the second-largest distributor of propane in the U.S., NBC News reported.
In a news conference, Lake County Sheriff's Office spokesman John Herrell said the plant had about 53,000 20-pound propane cylinders on site. It is unknown at this time what started the fire and explosions.
Here's the latest news from The Associated Press:
TAVARES, Fla. — A series of explosions rocked a central Florida propane gas plant and sent "boom after boom after boom" through the neighborhood around it. Several people were injured, with at least three critically injured.
All the workers at the plant were accounted for early Tuesday after officials initially could not account for more than a dozen employees.
John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff's Office said there were no fatalities despite massive blasts that ripped through the Blue Rhino propane plant late Monday night.
"Management is comfortable saying all of those they knew were there tonight have been accounted for," he said.
One person injured in the explosion was listed in critical condition at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital. Two others were listed in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center and a spokeswoman there said a third patient was en route, also listed as critical.
Herrell said some others drove themselves to area hospitals.
The Blue Rhino plant, which is northwest of Orlando, refilled propane tanks typically used for barbecues and other uses.
Herrell said a crew of 24 to 26 people was working at the plant on an overnight shift when the explosions occurred around 11 p.m.
Video footage on WESH-TV in Orlando showed fires burning through trucks used to transport propane tanks, which were parked at the plant. The fire was sending plumes of smoke into the air hours after the blast. Emergency crews could also be seen massing nearby.
Herrell said an evacuation zone was initially a one-mile radius but had been reduced to a half-mile radius. No injuries have been reported from residents in the neighborhood and residents were later allowed to return to their homes.
Marni Whitehead, 33, who lives less than a mile from the plant, said she was in bed ready to go to sleep when she heard a loud boom.
"It was like a car had run into my house, is what I thought had happened," she said.
She ran outside and saw other neighbors outside and then they saw the explosions.
"We knew right away it was the plant, the propane plant," Whitehead said. "After that, it was just sort of panic."
Whitehead likened the explosions to Fourth of July fireworks. "And it was just boom after boom after boom," she said.
Herrell said officials believe the fire was contained and wouldn't spread to another part of the plant but they could not guarantee that.
Herrell said the plant usually has 53,000 20-pound propane tanks.
According to the Leesburg Daily Commercial, the plant was built in 2004 and employs fewer than 50 people.

Teresa And Joe Giudice Charged With Fraud In 39-Count Indictment

"Real Housewives of new Jersey" couple Teresa and Giuseppe "Joe" Giudice have been indicted on federal charges of bank and bankruptcy fraud, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The Giudices were charged Monday in a 39-count indictment with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud, according to the indictment.
The fraud was allegedly committed between September 2001 and September 2008. During that time, Teresa and Joe, of Towaco, N.J., allegedly submitted fraudulent mortgage and loan applications. For example, in September 2001 she applied for a $121,500 mortgage loan by falsely claiming she was an executive assistant and submitted fake W-2 forms and fake paystubs.
Teresa and Joe are also accused of hiding their assets during their 2009 bankruptcy petition. They filed for Chapter 7 in October 2009 and allegedly failed to disclose accurate information about their businesses, rental properties and Teresa's "Real Housewives" salary.
In addition, Joe failed to file tax returns from 2004 through 2008, even though his income topped $990,000.
“The privilege of living well in the United States carries certain real responsibilities, including filing tax returns when required and paying the correct amount of tax,” said Shantelle P. Kitchen, special agent in charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation's Newark Field Office. “Today’s indictment alleges the Giudices did not live up to their responsibilities by failing to file tax returns, falsifying loan applications and concealing assets in their bankruptcy petition. The reality is that this type of criminal conduct will not go undetected and individuals who engage in this type of financial fraud should know they will be held accountable.”
Combined, the charges carry a maximum sentence of more than 50 years in prison.
This is not the only legal woe the New Jersey fam has had to deal with recently.
Joe is still awaiting trial for wrongfully using identifying information of another and impersonation. He was arrested more than two years ago, NJ.com notes. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The former developer allegedly used his brother's information to obtain a driver's license, People magazine previously reported. Joe has denied any wrongdoing.
The Giudices have been featured on "Real Housewives of New Jersey" since the series premiered in 2009. OK! Magazine reported Teresa rakes in more than $650,000 per season from Bravo.
UPDATE: Teresa sent a statement to "Entertainment Online" regarding the charges.
"Today is a most difficult day for our family. I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me," she said. "I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the Government as quickly as possible."

Victor Castillo, Walmart Employee, Fired Over $106,000 Scam

A 23-year-old walmart employee in Hobbs, N.M., has been fired after police arrested him for allegedly stealing more than $106,000 worth of fake money orders, company spokesperson Kayla Whaling told The Huffington Post Monday.
Police estimate the employee, Victor Castillo, began running the scam as early as April, and would take about $1,000 with each order, according to New Mexico News.
Walmart discovered the money was missing after a company audit in July, Hobbs police Capt. Michael Walker told local TV news station KRQE, and Walmart's loss-prevention team subsequently began monitoring video surveillance of the store.
“The way he was doing it they were almost untrackable," Walker told KRQE. Castillo would apparently input the money order into Walmart's MoneyGram system, then turn off the computer at just the right moment so that the valid order would still print out but there was no documentation of it on the screen.
But once video caught Castillo in the act, Walmart was able to go into the computer and track records of his orders -- 111 of them to be exact. Just before his arrest on Thursday, Castillo had printed out $11,000 worth of fake orders.

Elvis' Palm Springs Home: Ready for Its Encore?

Elvis Presley's Palm Springs getaway may finally open to the public in a way the King of Rock 'n' Roll would have been satisfied with, with tours promised for this fall. Ownership of the home that Elvis and Priscilla Presley bought in 1970 -- and which the singer owned until his death in 1977 -- has been given to one of the investors in the desert property after a months-long court battle.

Reno Fontana and his wife bought the house in 2003 with the help of backers, but Fontana went into bankruptcy several times and was evicted in January, reports Palm Springs TV station KMIR. As described in the video above, a judge decided last week that the place dubbed "Graceland West" belongs to investor Randy Raicevic, who told KMIR that he plans to repair and revamp the tourist landmark so that it looks the way it did in Presley's day. Raicevic told Palm Springs' Desert Sun newspaper said that it will then be open daily for tours, at $20 per person, with a target date of Oct. 1.

The way the home's presence impacts the neighborhood might be different, too. Fontana purportedly irritated neighbors with the large parties and busloads of tourists that he hosted at the house. Raicevic told The Sun that visitors will be kept to a minimum, though, and "We'll not keep busy streets."

Johnny Depp Just Might Be Quitting Acting

Say it ain't so!
In an interview with BBC News on Monday, Johnny Depp said that his latest film, "The Lone Ranger," could very well be one of his last.
Depp said there are "quieter" things he would like to do aside from acting.
"At a certain point, you start thinking, and when you add up the amount of dialogue that you say per year, for example, and you realize that you've said written words more than you've actually had a chance to say your own words, you start thinking of that as a kind of insane option for a human being," Depp said.
While he might not quit immediately, Depp said it is "probably not too far away."
And this isn't the first time Depp has mentioned retirement (tear).
In his June interview with Rolling Stone, he said that while he thinks of retiring every day, he's not sure he can actually relax.
"Relax, I can't do. My brain, on idle, is a bad thing. I just get weird. I mean, not weird. I get, I get antsy," he said.
Well lucky for us, he has a booked-solid schedule, including a role in "Into the Woods," an "Alice in Wonderland" sequel and, rumor has it, the fifth installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean."
So even if you are ready to say goodbye, we're not ready to let go just yet, Johnny.

Kim Kardashian’s Global Travel Plans

Crazy-busy traveler Kim Kardashian has been keeping a low-profile at home after the birth of her baby girl, North West, in June, but apparently she’s already planning her next move: accompanying Kanye on the European leg of his world tour. Radar Online reports big-sis Kourtney is fuming over the idea of taking an infant overseas for the stress of traveling. A family friend said Kim “loves the buzz of taking 10 flights in three days,” but Kourt wants her sister to put the baby’s well-being first. “Kim does whatever she wants, and she’s always been self-centered,” said the source, “so Kourtney’s been disappointed so far.” Ouch.