Heart Health
The trouble with watching too much TV
Research we're watching
Sitting is sometimes called "the new smoking" because of its detrimental effects on heart health. But some types of sitting may be worse than others, according to a study in the July 2 Journal of the American Heart Association.
Researchers interviewed 3,592 African American adults about their daily activities and followed them for roughly eight years. About one-third watched fewer than two hours of TV a day. Another third watched two to four hours daily, while the remaining third watched more than four hours. People in the latter group had a 49% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death than those in the first group. However, there was no difference in heart-related events between people who spent most or all of their day sitting at work and those who rarely or ever sat at work.
The study also found that people who got the recommended levels of physical activity didn't face a higher risk of heart events and death, even if they watched a lot of TV. Expert tip: Meet two needs at once by setting up a treadmill or stationary bike in front of your TV!
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