Another Reason to Get Off the Couch

You already know that sitting on the couch and watching television for hours is not good for your health.  Chances are if you watch many hours of programming, you are overweight, not exercising enough, and possibly have high cholesterol.  Studies also have shown that young children who watch excessive amounts of television tend to be more likely to have Attention Deficit Disorder.  If this knowledge isn’t enough, there is another study that illustrates the ill effects of television.

The Scottish Health Study, released in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reports on the dangers of watching television.  According to the study, spending two or more hours of leisure time in front of a television (or other screen) on a daily basis is harmful to your health.  How harmful?  It doubles your risk of heart disease.

How can you improve your health and quality of life?  A few simple changes may help:

• Reduce the number of television shows you watch.  One hour a day is fine for relaxing.
• Find new hobbies.  While you may be tired at the end of the day, there are plenty of activities that can be done that require limited physical exertion.  Some ideas include reading, knitting, and solving crossword puzzles.
• Prepare for tomorrow.  Want 15 minutes more sleep in the morning?  Instead of watching tv, prep your coffee pot, make lunches, lay out items needed for breakfast, pick out tomorrow’s outfit.
• Talk with your child, your spouse, or a long-distance friend.  Whether it is in person or on the phone, take that time to reconnect.
• Take a walk after dinner.  If weather and street conditions allow, take a short walk.  A little exercise can be invigorating.  Plus, it’s an activity that can involve all household members.

Don’t jeopardize your health by being a couch potato.