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Computer Users Risk Heart Problems

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A study has revealed that those who spend over four hours in front of their computers are just as likely to suffer from heart problems as those who watch television for several hours a day. The report which was authored by Dr Emmanuel Stamatakis and published in The Journal of The American College of Cardiology, was initially aimed at adults who watched television for prolonged periods although many computer-users might now be grateful that it was extended to also cover computer usage at homes and offices. While there might have been suspicions in the past that sitting in front of the screen might potentially pose some kind of health risk, not many would have expected a research on the issue to actually show that the risk of experiencing a heart failure doubles as a result of their actions in front of their PC.

Recommendations

Furthermore, the study suggests ways of reducing the risks posed by spending long periods in front of a computer. For example, office workers are advised to take more breaks to limit the risks of heart disease and obesity. While bosses may initially frown at the idea, adjustments could still be made. Because standing and moving around ‘uses 50% more energy than sitting down’, taking a few minutes breaks involving light-intensity walking every 20 minutes could be worked out. In addition, changing work patterns to include height adjustable computers that allow workers to stand or sit could potentially turn ‘long sedentary periods of the workday into a mix of sitting, standing and light-intensity activity. According to Dr Stamatakis, ‘we need to create an environment where body movement is the default state and sitting a necessity that should be avoided when possible’.

Talking Point

How much time do you spend in front of your PC daily?

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11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Dr Natura

    January 12, 2011 at 1:11 am

    Wow, this is bad news for me. I spent 8 hours at work in front of the PC, but I do take a break every 1.5 hours or so (as well as a 30 min lunch break), but when I go home, I sit for another 2hrs (working on my own business). It’s bad for my health, but what can I do? Exercise? *chuckles*

  2. salladin

    January 12, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    Well, those are interesting studies and it’s trully a problem. I have the same thing as the person who commented it first – 8 hrs at work and them some 2,3 hrs when i get back home. Therefore i’m excersising a lot 🙂

  3. Turtle Beach gaming headsets

    January 12, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    This doesnt really surprise me, If you are in front of a computer you arent moving, where as people who dont work with computers are generally moving around, lifting, and doing other activities, Im sure many people have noticed the difference in how a young construction worker looks compared to many young IT guys. No offense to either its just the nature of the work. I sit in front of my computer for hours for my business, Im not trying to take a stab at anyone.

    Personally I think that If we counteract sitting in front of a computer with an excercise routine and healthy eating we will all be just fine.

  4. Best Vacuum For Pet Hair

    January 13, 2011 at 2:10 am

    No real surprise…the key is to getting up and keeping active every hour or so. Just walking won’t do it…run the stairs, do some light exercise, etc., etc. Now having said that, it’s true we seem to be spending more and more time in front of our computers…pretty soon they’ll just be hard wired into our brains to save space.

  5. drupal website designer

    January 13, 2011 at 7:21 am

    Thanks for the idea. Well, keeping healthy and taking regular vitamins I think is needed for those people whose job is all about computers. Nice post anyway. Very informative and can help a lot of people.

  6. Video Hosting

    January 13, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    Computer usage is increasing day by day and so is the number of diseases but it is just next to impossible to stop using computers, we can just minimize the usage.

  7. Criminal Defense Lawyer Los Angeles

    January 14, 2011 at 1:47 am

    Maybe that’s a bad news especially to me who is working all day long in front of a PC. I will going to take not all your suggestion and recommendations because it can really help a lot. Thanks for sharing this helpful tips and information.

  8. Wholesale Suppliers

    January 14, 2011 at 5:51 am

    Every element of technology makes things easier for us, provides us comfy feeling but each of them comes up with a side effect but if take good care of our health, exercise and maintain diet we can fight with this issue easily.

  9. it outsourcing

    January 15, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Mostly office workers sit in front of the computer for longtime continuously those can be suffer with heart disease and obesity. Really it’s an alarm to care about health own self.

  10. Gary - Exercise Routines

    April 9, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    This isn’t too suprising a finding.

  11. Tariqul

    November 3, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    I personally stay more than 12 hours/day in front of computer from last 3-4 years and I am suffering same problem on my heat as you said. I think your information really help me to be more conscious about my heart. Can you give some information which help me to prevent damage of heart. Thanks for your informative share.

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