Question 1

how much television is okay?

Accepted Answer

Less than 2 hrs/day: The aap recommends that children (over age 2) have less than 2 hrs a day of screen time (this includes tv, video games, ipad, iphone, etc etc).  Children under 2 should not use any of the above.

Question 2

what about television makes you want to eat?

Accepted Answer

Distraction: When you watch tv you are exposed to commercials for high calories foods. If you eat in front of the tv your body is not as tuned into the cues that signal that you are getting full. Tv also is a very sedentary activity that involves using very few calories.

Question 3

what is the best way to watch television for my back?

Accepted Answer

See below: Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be harmful to your back especially without proper lumbar support.  If you are going to watch tv greater than 30 min. Be sure to get up and walk around.  Also if sitting in a chair or recliner, make sure that you have adequate lumbar support.

Question 4

can your vision change from watching television too much?

Accepted Answer

Yes, due to dry eyes: Tv viewing or intense computer or video game use may lead to decreased blink frequency and secondary dry eye.

Question 5

why is it relaxing to watch television even if the content is violent?

Accepted Answer

It is and is not: Some people find wathcing vioelnt programs disturbing, so the question and answer would certainly not universally apply.  Theory of catharsis would suggest it allows us to release or relieve stress and aggressive impulses.  The arts, whether found in the bloody hands of macbeth or a bruce willis movire are entertainment/recreation for most.  But for others reinforces agression and illness.

Question 6

can excessive  use of television and other electronics be harmfull ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Television and other "screen time" decreases attention span, decreases the quality of relationships, and takes time from necessary things including exercise or preparing healthy food.  Theories about harmful effects such as cancer  haven't been proven.

Question 7

i saw a work out machine on television. if i buy one of them, will i be able to achieve the look that those models have?

Accepted Answer

No: Never.They are models! it is their profession to stay in perfect shape and they work very hard at it by exercising (using more than just the machine, surely) and dieting with careful food choices.  Remember, an ad on tv is just that, they are trying to sell you something.  That's not to say that the machine wouldn't help you get in shape, but you would have to use it with disciplined regularity.

Question 8

does watching television cause cancer ?

Accepted Answer

Wouldn't think so: Here in California, the law requires Cancer Warning signs everywhere, because everything we eat, touch, breathe can cause cancer. That's a reality of life. Everything on Earth can cause cancer, but the true question is, how likely is it to happen? Watching television from a few feet away, several days a week, a couple hours each time, is extremely unlikely to cause cancer. Life is about balance.

Question 9

does watching too much television cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Not a known risk factor for cancer.

Question 10

why do i get a migrane when watching television?

Accepted Answer

Migraines: Flickering light can trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.

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Doctor answers about:

Television

A member asked:

How much television is okay?

A member asked:

What about television makes you want to eat?

A member asked:

What is the best way to watch television for my back?

A member asked:

Can your vision change from watching television too much?

A member asked:

Why is it relaxing to watch television even if the content is violent?

A member asked:

Can excessive use of television and other electronics be harmfull ?

A member asked:

I saw a work out machine on television. if i buy one of them, will i be able to achieve the look that those models have?

A member asked:

Does watching television cause cancer ?

A member asked:

Does watching too much television cause cancer?

A member asked:

Why do i get a migrane when watching television?

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