How Much is Too Much TV?

Americans watch an average of around 3 to 5 hours of television per day (varies by source... although some sources report even higher amounts). Although most of us have a TV in our home, we can also watch shows on our laptops, tablets, & phones. As such, shows are now available day & night.

Excessive television often limits physical activity & encourages mindless eating. Both can contribute to weight gain. Even young children are now routinely being treated for a range of screen related ailments including joint pain, chronic health issues, etc.

Limited amounts of TV can fit into a healthy lifestyle.
- Watch only the shows that are most important to you. Or, choose shows that challenge your brain.
- Be physically active during commercial breaks. Standing or sitting on an exercise (swiss) ball can also be beneficial.
- If you eat while watching TV, control portion size.
- Don't skimp on sleep just to watch TV. Since the blue light can disrupt sleep quality, avoid watching around bedtime.


Learn more at:
- WebMD's Too Much TV Linked to Leading Causes of Death
- Yahoo Beauty's You Can Lower Your Odds of Becoming Obese by Doing This One Easy Thing
- Huffington Post's 100 Things to do During Screen-Free Week
- The Simple Dollar's Why You Should Stop Watching TV & What to Replace it With

TV & Children
- University of Michigan Health System's A Guide to Managing Television: Tips for Your Family
- NY Times Well's Screen Addiction is Taking a Toll on Children
- Eat Smart Move More's Tame The Tube- Pregnancy.org's 13 Substitutes for TV
- Babycenter's Prime Time Fun: Alternatives to TV