Television has become an integral part of our lives. From the time we wake up in the morning until the time we go to sleep at night, we are often glued to our screens.

And while TV can be a convenient source of entertainment and information, its impact on our health is a subject of growing concern. Recent studies have shown that increased TV time is linked to premature death. This article explores the relationship between TV time and premature death in more detail.

The Study

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association looked at the relationship between TV time and death from any cause, both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.

The study included data from over 13,000 adults, aged 45-64 years old, from a British cohort study that began in 1991. Participants were followed up until 2015, and their TV habits were recorded by self-reporting how much time they spent watching TV.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was a significant association between TV time and death, CVD death and cancer death.

Compared to those who watched less than 2 hours of TV per day, those who watched 3-4 hours, 5-6 hours, and over 7 hours of TV had a higher risk of death from any cause. To put things in perspective, those who watched 5-6 hours of TV per day had a 25% higher risk of death than those who watched less than 2 hours.

The risk of CVD death was even more pronounced, with those who watched over 7 hours of TV per day having a 64% higher risk than those who watched less than 2 hours.

Why Is TV Time Linked to Premature Death?

The study did not explore the reasons why TV time is linked to premature death, but the findings are consistent with previous research that suggests a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic disease.

When we sit for long periods of time, we are less active, and our bodies do not function as well as they should. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

What Can We Do To Reduce TV Time?

Reducing TV time can be a challenge, especially when it has become such a habit in our daily lives. However, there are a few strategies that can help us cut back on our screen time:.

Set a limit: Decide on a reasonable amount of TV time each day and stick to it.
Be active: Take breaks from sitting by doing some stretching or going for a walk during commercial breaks.
Find other activities: Look for other activities that you enjoy and can do instead of watching TV, such as reading, cooking, or playing a sport.
Plan ahead: Schedule TV time into your day so you can be intentional about when you watch and how long you watch for.

Conclusion

The link between TV time and premature death is a serious concern that should not be ignored. By taking some simple steps to reduce our TV time, we can improve our health and decrease our risk of chronic disease.

It’s time to turn off the screen and prioritize our physical and mental wellbeing.