Television has become an essential part of our lives worldwide. It is a source of entertainment, education, and communication. However, according to recent studies, watching too much television can lead to serious health problems.

In this article, we will explore the connection between television and the eight main causes of death.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and watching television may increase the risk of developing it.

A sedentary lifestyle, associated with watching television for long periods, may increase the levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Additionally, studies show that watching television is associated with a higher risk of heart disease due to overeating or consuming unhealthy food.

2. Cancer

A link between watching television and cancer has been discovered.

Many studies have revealed that long periods of sitting, as seen in watching television, lead to the development of some types of cancer, resulting in breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. Studies show that those who watched more than five hours of TV per day had a 22% higher risk of dying from cancer than those who watched less than three hours.

3. Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and watching television for long periods is associated with an increased risk of dying from it.

A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal showed that watching television for long periods is associated with an increased risk of stroke. This is due to the sedentary lifestyle associated with watching TV and a lack of physical activity. Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke.

4. Respiratory Diseases

Prolonged sitting, as seen in watching television, has been proposed as a contributing factor to different respiratory problems. These respiratory conditions may include shortness of breath, asthma, or even lung cancer.

Watching TV is also responsible for producing a lot of passive smoke, which increases the risk of respiratory diseases, particularly in children.

5. Diabetes

Studies have shown that sitting for long periods while watching television may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Watching television for long periods of time can lead to a decreased metabolic rate, increasing the likelihood of becoming obese and developing type 2 diabetes. People who watched television for long periods of time had a 14% higher risk of developing diabetes than those who watched less than one hour a day.

6. Alzheimer’s Disease

Watching television for long hours can be detrimental to the brain’s health. Researchers are studying the link between Alzheimer’s and watching television due to the negative effect of prolonged inactivity towards the brain’s function.

Scientists suggest that excessive television viewing in young adults may lead to cognitive impairment later in life.

7. Suicide

Watching too much television has been linked to suicide. Researchers suggest that watching TV for long periods may cause depression, leading to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Teenagers who had TV sets in their rooms were found to be more likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempt it. Suicidal risk may also have a link to the frequent direct or indirect exposure to violence, negativity, and traumatic events repeatedly shown on television.

8. Road Accidents

Watching television while driving is a dangerous event, which leads to fatal accidents.

But even without watching TV while driving, a study conducted in New Zealand suggests that motorists who just finished watching action-packed or thrilling programs are more likely to encounter accidents on the road. The high-frequency flashing images, rapid camera shots, and sudden loud sounds used in television can induce psychological arousal and produce cognitive distraction.

These mental and emotional impacts on the brain can last for a time, leading to untoward outcomes on the road.

Conclusion

The health risks associated with watching too much television are numerous and diverse. While TV programs are entertaining and informative, prolonged immobility, and sedentary lifestyle lead to severe health issues that can eventually cause death.

Therefore, limiting the time spent watching television and engaging in more physical activities is essential for maintaining good health.