In a world where digital devices have become an extension of our bodies, it’s difficult to imagine life without them. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smartwatches, smart lights even smart large room ceiling fans, these devices comfort us and keep us constantly connected & entertained. But as we immerse ourselves in the digital realm, a silent epidemic is spreading its roots – the sedentary lifestyle. Our couches have become our thrones, and our screens wield power over us like never before. In this blog post, we delve into the health risks associated with our addiction to digital devices and unravel how this modern-day dilemma has turned from luxury to liability. Get ready to step away from your screen for a moment and join us on this eye-opening journey through the impacts of technology on our physical well-being!
The Problem with Sedentary Behaviour
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the average person spends about two hours a day sitting in one or more unactive positions. While good for our appearance, excessive sedentary behavior has been linked with obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and other health problems. Here are five dangers of a sedentary lifestyle:
1. Obesity. According to the CDC, people who spend more than three hours a day sitting are more likely to be obese than those who spend less time sitting. Excessive amounts of sitting can lead to weight gain in several ways: causing muscles to lose their ability to burn calories; raising levels of bad cholesterol; reducing levels of good cholesterol; and slowing down the metabolism. All these factors can lead to weight gain over time.
2. Heart disease and stroke. Sitting for long periods can increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Increases in blood pressure and cholesterol can increase your risk for both conditions, and sitting is also known to increase your risk for clots that can form in the arteries leading to the heart or brain.
3. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Sitting for long periods puts you at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which is especially common in people who are overweight or have obesity from other causes. In addition, DM is often associated with abdominal obesity – a condition where excess fat accumulates around
the midsection.
4. Cancer. Sitting for long periods can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including uterus, colon, and breast cancer. Cancerous cells are more likely to grow when they have plenty of food and water to nourish them, but they don’t have to do much – sitting in your favorite chair for hours on end is enough – to get a boost.
5. Reduced mobility and flexibility. Sitting for long periods can reduce mobility and flexibility in the hips, abdomen, back, and other body areas. This can lead to stiffness and pain in these areas and even reduced function in some parts of the body.
How Digital Devices harm our Health
Digital devices are harming our health in many ways. Many studies have linked sitting for long periods, watching screens, and using digital devices to excess with insufficient exercise to our health. The problem is that many people use digital devices as their primary form of entertainment and communication. This has led to an epidemic of being sedentary, leading to obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and more.
There are plenty of other dangers associated with being sedentary too. When we’re inactive, our muscle mass shrinks and our bone density decreases. This puts us at a higher risk for fractures in young and older adults. It also leads to increased levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood which may increase the risk for heart disease or stroke.
Simply switching from using digital devices to more active forms of recreation won’t solve all our problems though. We need good posture and screen usage guidelines if we want to be careful about how much we sit down and what we do while on digital devices. Standing and using our arms to move the device and not holding it in one spot for too long are all good habits to adhere to.
The Solution: A More Active Lifestyle
The health risks of a sedentary lifestyle are well known, but what about the health risks of a digital device lifestyle? The answer is alarming.
Digital devices have become an integral part of many people’s lives, and they’re often used in place of physical activity. But studies have shown that digital devices can make people more inactive and less likely to be active overall [1].
Research has found that using a digital device for prolonged periods can lead to:
-Decreased muscle strength and endurance
-An increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes
-A decrease in HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) levels
-A decrease in bone density and mineral density
-A decrease in your ability to think critically and focus on tasks
If you’re feeling tempted to use your digital device in place of physical activity, there are a few ways to break the habit:
-Set limits on how many hours per day you can spend using your device
-Designate specific times each day when you can use your device, and stick to those times
-Set up time capsules for your digital devices that will remind you not to use them for extended periods
-Find friends or family who share your interest in being more active and join them for a physical activity together
-Sign up for a fitness or health class so that you can see the difference in your body composition, strength and endurance after participating in physical activities outside of school or work.
No matter what steps you take to break the digital device habit, it’s important to remember that movement is key for overall health. A more active lifestyle will help protect yourself from the negative effects of sitting too much and improve your mental function and overall physical health.
Conclusion
Our lifestyles have changed dramatically in recent years due to the influx of digital devices into our homes. While they offer many advantages, such as staying connected and getting work done from anywhere, several negative health consequences are associated with a sedentary lifestyle. This article will discuss some of these risks and how you can adopt a more active lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Armed with the knowledge you have acquired reading this article, it is up to you to take action and make changes that will improve your overall health.
