The Effects of TV-Watching on Health
Numerous studies have linked a sedentary lifestyle with a wide range of health disorders. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and cancer are just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it is been suggested that a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact almost every aspect of a person’s health.
Sitting for long periods of time diminishes the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. It can also cause a reduction in the flow of blood throughout the body, which is required to provide oxygen to the body’s cells. Numerous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is directly linked to aging and disease. Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle can limit the body’s ability to metabolize sugar, and can increase inflammation, leading to inflammatory disease.
Dr. Sotirios Tsalamandris, a cardiologist at the First Cardiology Clinic at the National and Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece, recently led a study to determine the effect spending time watching TV has on an individual’s health. Dr. Tsalamandris and his colleagues analyzed 2000 people between the ages of 40 and 99. The participants included people without any indication of heart disease, people at risk for heart disease, and people who already had heart disease.
The researchers initially divided the participants into three groups:
- The first group consisted of people who watched TV no more than 7 hours a week.
- The second group consisted of people who watched TV between 7 and 21 hours per week.
- The third group consisted of people who watched TV more than 21 hours per week.
Using a series of markers, including the thickness of the arterial walls, along with other measurements of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as questionnaires regarding the daily amount of television watched each day, the scientists were able to analyze the effect the amount of time spent watching TV had on a variety of diseases.
In particular, the researchers found that the participants in Group 3 had double the risk of plaque buildup in their arteries compared to those in Group 1. Furthermore, the participants in Group 3 were 68% more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, and 50% more likely to have diabetes than those in Group 1.
In Dr. Tsalamandris words, “These findings suggest a clear message to hit the off button on your TV and abandon your sofa. Even activities of low energy expenditure, such as socializing with friends or housekeeping activities, may have a substantial benefit to your health compared with time spent sitting and watching TV.”
It is worth pointing out that this study only took into account the amount of time individuals spent watching TV. Time spent sitting at a desk or in front of a computer screen were not taken into account. This suggests that the effects of a sedentary lifestyle are even worse than what was demonstrated.
At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.
Our family -owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.
Our services include short-term rehab, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice care, and respite care for those times when the caretaker needs to be taken care of.
We proudly provide the following specialty healthcare services: complex medical care management, intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, enteral feeding, pain management, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, a dedicated pulmonary program, hospice care with private suites, a stroke rehab program, respiratory support, eye care, dental care, podiatry care, and psychological consults and counseling.
We pride ourselves on healing the entire patient through a holistic and individualized approach.
Our meticulous care planning helps us ensure that each and every resident receives the best in clinical care, support and unconditional love.
For over 25 years, we have been a staple of health and wellness, serving the members of our community and partnering with our local hospitals like Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.
We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.
Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.
Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.