- Image via Wikipedia
We’ve talked about the value of exercise on this blog a lot (8 October, 19 October, 28 November, among others). And, the data from various studies have shown its ability to change our moods, stave off Alzheimer’s, preclude cold suffering, among other attributes. Now, a new study shows that exercising a few minutes a day may not be enough to keep us healthy, if we sit and watch TV or computer monitors all day long.
The issue is that many of us spend our entire working day sitting at our desks watching computer screens, coupled with more time sitting during a daily commute. These sedentary periods can reach some 10 hours a day. Drs. Stamatkis, Hamer, and Dunstan published a study they effected with 4512 adults (35 or older) over a 4 year period. They classified these subjects involvement with TV, DVD, video game, and computer usage The results were classified by hours of screen time (<2 h, 2-4 h, and more than 4 h daily); physical activity was also included as part of the study.
Compared to those who spent less than 2 hours camped in front of a monitor, those that spent more than 4 hours a day were 48% more likely to die and 125% more likely to develop heart ailments. More importantly, these results were unaltered if one exercised more than 2 hours (compared to those who were involved for less than 2 hours).
The study did not determine causality, however. It is not clear if other unhealthy lifestyle aspects were at fault or simply the fact that one was camped in front of the monitor induced heart inflammation. About ¼ of the relationship between screen time and cardiovascular impairment could be explained by the levels of C-reactive protein, body mass index, and cholesterols levels. (C-reactive protein levels were twice as high for those who spent more than 4 hours with a computer monitor. It’s not surprising, since exercise helps one catabolize sugars and triglycerides.)
OK, you made a believer out of me! I will definitely make sure I get my daily exercise in. Do NOT want to be in the group that dies early 🙂
Martha GiffenIt is a scary thought, Martha. As I just wrote, one of my friends has a stationary bike and a treadmill in association with his computer monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse…. Thanks, RAAckerman
Stationary bicycle with a laptop on the handle bars.
George Dawson George, I have a friend who has had that setup for years- hello, Eric…. Thanks, RAAckerman
Hmmm. Might be time to get that treadmill desk I’ve been wanting to get!
Leanne Chesser Hey, Leanne: I have a friend who uses a stationary bike with a small table containing his wireless mouse and keyboard to scan the web while he bikes! I always joke, he should link the wheel to a power supply and run his computer that way (like the Sheriff in Arizona 🙂 ) Have a great day, Roy A Ackerman
My mom has always made sure that we don’t have a treadmill in the house. Sometimes too harsh I guess, but she also makes sure that we go for a daily walk…at least 30 minutes. Though we lost that habit in college and then work, and that has shown results.
Great reminder to put on those jogging shoes back on! 🙂
Hajra:
I have an indoor and outdoor bicycle. That way I have no excuse if its raining or snowing. And, it reminds me if I loll about too much watching my favorite shows that I can watch and ride simultaneously… Now, if I only had them hooked together, I could save money AND reduce the carbon footprint at the same time 🙂
Rooy