Too Much TV and Computer Time Could be Fatal

It is not news that many Americans spend a good portion of their day sitting in front of a screen, and according to some data, as much as 7.7 sedentary hours per day on average. In May, a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology reviewed research exploring the association between sedentary time, time spent in front of a screen such as television or computer, and risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease. The results showed that higher amounts of time spent sitting or in front of a screen were associated with greater risk of both types of cardiovascular disease compared with lower levels of screen and sitting time. Research has shown health benefits with as little as one day of exercise but the US Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 90 minutes per week of vigorous activity, and strength training twice per week.

Ford ES, Caspersen CJ. Sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease: a review of prospective studies. Int J Epidemiol. 2012 May 26. [Epub ahead of print].