Everyone knows what it is to be a couch potato.  The hours of inactivity when you watch TV combined with a sedentary lifestyle will not only add inches to our waist but will also make us prone to many cardiovascular diseases.   People of this era have become addicted to both the TV and the computer.  Since we cannot do without both, here is a way to beat the dangers.

First let us know what it is that we are facing.

The danger of too much TV

Inactivity may lead to plaque being deposited to the walls of the arteries, may make the heart work more to pump blood and bad cholesterol (LDL0 level may increase.

There is an increased chance of getting

1. Diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Weight gain which may lead to Osteoarthritis
4. And of course, cardiovascular diseases

The risk is more when

1. anyone in your family has a history of heart or cardiovascular disease
2. you sit for hours in front of the TV or computer
3. exercising is not in your vocabulary
4. diet is not right
5. you are apple shaped rather than pear shaped.
6. you are a smoker
7. you have thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances

There are other drawbacks like getting a poor posture which in turn will lead to back problems.

Too much TV/computer can strain your eyes.  The human eye relaxes when seeing objects in the distance.  So working at the computer will put a lot of stress on the eyes if one works on it for hours together.

The solution

Our body has to be in motion as much as possible.  The more it is in motion the less chances of succumbing to diseases.  If you are not up to vigorous activities, then try some moderate ones.  Here is a list you can follow.

1. Take advantage of commercial breaks.  Walk around, jump a little or stretch your muscles. This will ensure proper circulation and will also make you feel active.
2. Bring your exercise bike near the TV.  This way you can exercise while watching your favourite programme.  Just 30 minutes of exercise every other day will reduce your chances of getting cardiovascular diseases.  As your muscle tone increases, you will burn more energy even if you sit without doing any work.  That is because muscles use a lot of energy.
3. Skipping is a good idea.  You can skip when the show tends to get boring.  Rest when your favourite part comes.
4. Watch exercise shows and you can even exercise along with the host.
5. Suppress the urge to use the remote control.  If you do not want to walk all the way to the TV, then keep the remote just out of reach so that you will have to get up and walk a few steps to get it.
6. Be aware of your posture when you watch TV and correct yourself.  One will tend to slouch to be comfortable.
7. Avoid eating snacks when you watch TV.  You will not know how much you eat and you may tend to overeat.
8. Just change places often.  When doing so you can reach for the ceiling and then try to touch your toes.  It will help refresh you.
9. Good news for those who have a habit of fidgeting.  You tend to burn calories even when you are doing nothing.  Your fidgeting will step in and keep you slim.
10. While using the computer remember to take breaks.  Your eyes as well as your body will appreciate it.

When our lifestyle includes habits that are not good, modify the habits to make it good.  This will help you stay healthy even if you are a couch potato.