STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you’re reading this on a computer, you might want to stand up.
A new study in the Journal of American Medical Association found that we’re sitting more than ever, computers are to blame and it’s threatening our health.
The prevalence of computer use outside school or work for at least one hour a day increased from 2001 to 2016 -- from 29% to 50% for adults, from 43% to 56% for children and from 53% to 57% among adolescents, the study found.
The serial, cross-sectional analysis of the U.S. nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted among children 5 through 11 years old (2001-2016); adolescents, 12 through 19 (2003-2016); and adults, 20 or older (2003-2016).
The total time spent sitting increased from 2007 to 2016 (from 5.5 hours a day to 6.4 hours a day for adults, and from 7 to 8.2 hours among adolescents).
According to a study published on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Americans are becoming increasingly sedentary, spending more time than ever sitting down, and computer use is partly to blame. (Associated Press/Scott G Winterton)AP
Nationally, our leisure screen time jumped between 4.8% and 38% (depending upon the age group) from 2001 to 2016, the study found.
And that translates to trouble down the road, as sedentary lifestyles are linked with greater risk of developing diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart disease.
Yet, the time we spend watching television has remained steady, the study found.
"The substantial rise in total sitting time among adolescents and adults appears to be attributable to sedentary behaviors other than television or video watching, which was likely driven in part by the observed increases in computer use,'' the study said.
If the trend continues, our health will suffer, studies have said.
"Prolonged sitting, particularly watching television or videos, has been associated with increased risk of multiple diseases and mortality,'' the study said.
Can’t resist the lure of the glowing screen? Perhaps some habit changes will help.
A 2018 report by the Mayo Clinic suggests these changes to your routine will improve your overall health by helping you burn more calories, leading to weight loss and increased energy.
- Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
- Stand while talking on the phone or watching television.
- If you work at a desk, try a standing desk — or improvise with a high table or counter.
- Walk with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room.
- Position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk — so that you can be in motion throughout the day.