Too Much Couch Time Linked to Cancer, Study Says

Spending too much time in front of  TV or computer screens is bad for your health. Just get up and move as much as you can.

The habit of sitting too much is linked to several health risks, including an increased risk of cancer, according to a new report released by a team of German researchers.

They analyzed 43 studies involving 69,000 cancer patients.

The findings: “For every two-hour increase in sedentary time per day, on average, colon cancer risk increased by 8 percent and endometrial cancer risk increased by 10 percent,” according to Reuters Health.

“Prolonged sedentary time has been linked to other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease as well as cancer,” said Daniela Schmid, (from the University of Regensburg’s department of epidemiology and preventive medicine), during an interview with Reuters Health.

Bottom line: Too much time sitting can be bad for your health and contribute to a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease.

“You can develop disabilities from ‘sitting disease’ because you’re not moving muscles and joints and there is less blood flow,” said Cindy Shaffer, M.D., a Baptist Health Medical Group doctor who specializes in internal medicine. “Less blood flow negatively affects blood pressure, cholesterol and your overall heart health. Sitting for too long also increases insulin resistance and increases the possibility of diabetes.”

The prescription for better health:

Combat ‘Sitting Disease’
Here are some common-sense suggestions for avoiding the “sitting disease,” says Dr. Shaffer:

• Try taking the stairs more often.
• Take frequent breaks from sitting at the computer and consider if a stand-up desk works for you.
• Get a pedometer and count your steps, setting goals daily.
• Increase walking time, even if this entails parking a little further or going for walks around your neighborhood.
• Reduce the time spent watching television, or at least take frequent breaks from sitting at the couch.
• Increase your regular exercise routine if necessary while reducing sitting time.
• Change traditional video games into those that promote activity — or check out exercise videos.

Related stories:

‘Too Much Sitting’ Linked to Disabilities After Age 60 

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

Tags: cancer risks, exercise, healthy habits, sitting disease