Television watching: The health implications

Almost every household has at least one television. A lot of time is spent watching the TV by all age groups, as it is used for education, information and entertainment.

It is a major influence on the lives of the majority of us. But very few of us stop to think of the impact that the TV has on our health when we sit down to watch it.

The TV is, as the saying goes, a good servant, but a bad master. It is very useful as a means of disseminating information quickly and in real time, which is especially important in times of disaster. It may even be used to educate persons. It may also be used for relaxation after a tiring day. The amount of time spent in front of the TV is very important, though, as it is when excessive time is spent there that it becomes the master.

Excessive television watching can lead to excessive weight gain. This is thought to be due to a number of factors. First, there is reduced time spent in activities that will expend more energy. Second, some persons eat more when watching the television and the foods eaten tends to be highly processed, high-calorie foods.

Third, there is a greater likelihood of being influenced to buy foods of that nature, which are eaten when away from the television, such as fast foods because of advertisements.

Excessive TV watching also increases the risk of behavioural problems. We are exposed to a lot of violence on television, both real and fictional. A lot of TV materials promote socially unacceptable and unhealthy behaviours, such as stealing, smoking, lying, etc.

Behavioural problems

It is no wonder that especially children who spend a lot of time watching TV tend to adopt some of these behaviours as they see likeable persons ('stars') engaging in these behaviours.

To take it even further, excessive TV watching has been associated with increased risk of developing diabetes, and cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) diseases, and even death.

TV watching needs to be monitored and controlled, especially for children. The time spent watching television needs to be reduced, especially the entertainment portion. For example, for children there should be no or limited TV watching during the weekdays, programmes should be carefully screened. TV time should be earned (and spent with parents) and other activities encouraged, especially involving parents/caregivers.

Dr Douglas Street is a general practitioner and has private practices at Trinity Medical Centre, Trinity Mall, 3 Barnett Street, Montego Bay, and Omega Medical Centre, Plaza de Negril, Negril. Send feedback to drdougstreet@yahoo.com.