Fidget spinners are the newest gadget for kids and even adults but they are spurring controversy as well. They are hand-held devices that spin as you manipulate them with your thumb and fingers. A year ago nobody had ever even heard of them but now you can see them everywhere.

They are being marketed as a way to relieve stress and increase your focus as well as a toy for children. They will supposedly help people with ADHD, anxiety and autism. The experts are still out on this though. Some say they are useful and others say they are merely another distraction for the already distracted children today.

Fidgeting is a human habit and does offer some benefits. It has been shown that fidgeting while sitting increases the output of energy by 20-30% and does offer a way for some to offset a few of the side effects of sitting too long. Fidgeting has been found to reduce premature death risk associated with prolonged sitting.

Studies also show that fidgeting may provide a distraction from negative thinking and serve as a ritual to help people focus better and remain calm. But of course further studies will be done on this too I'm sure. In the meantime, if you like your fidget spinner, keep on a spinnin!

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network