{"id":42364,"date":"2024-09-29T10:00:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-29T02:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=42364"},"modified":"2024-11-27T10:07:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T02:07:31","slug":"dont-be-a-couch-potato","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/dont-be-a-couch-potato\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Be a Couch Potato"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"42364\" class=\"elementor elementor-42364\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b78839b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b78839b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8e8a3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8e8a3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>In today\u2019s fast-paced digital age, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle.<\/p><p>The convenience of modern entertainment and work-from-home setups often leads to long hours spent sitting, whether it is in front of a computer, television, or on the couch.<\/p><p>While relaxing after a busy day may seem like the perfect way to unwind, it hides a less relaxing truth. Being a couch potato is more than just a harmless way to pass the time \u2013 it is a silent saboteur of one\u2019s health.<\/p><p>According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 31 per cent of the global population aged 15 and above engages in insufficient physical activity, contributing to the death of approximately 3.2 million people every year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c19e45b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c19e45b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-048242d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"048242d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Am I a couch potato?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00e0578 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"00e0578\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cThe term \u2018couch potato\u2019 usually describes someone who spends a lot of time watching television or using a phone, engaging in little to no physical activity,\u201d says consultant internal medicine physician at Columbia Asia Hospital Miri, Dr. Yeo Peng Hwi.<\/p><p>He adds that other signs include feeling lazy or unmotivated to move, experiencing weight gain or muscle loss, and noticing a decline in one\u2019s overall energy levels and stamina.<\/p><p>\u201cThis term often has negative associations, implying laziness, idleness, and a lack of productivity. However, the effects of a sedentary lifestyle reach far beyond perception, posing significant health risks that can impact overall well-being in various ways,\u201d says Dr. Yeo.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df7127b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"df7127b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4efd092 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4efd092\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Health hazards of inactivity<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16f5b10 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"16f5b10\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dr. Yeo says a sedentary lifestyle, characterised by physical inactivity, can lead to numerous health issues, particularly becoming overweight and obesity.<\/p><p>\u201cThis condition arises from an imbalance between calorie intake and physical activity, with each exacerbating the other: excess weight discourages movement, while physical inactivity leads to weight gain, creating a harmful cycle.<\/p><p>\u201cObesity is associated with various health problems, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and certain cancers.\u201d<\/p><p>Dr. Yeo adds that a sedentary lifestyle is also one of the leading causes of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).<\/p><p>\u201cThe symptoms of these conditions progress slowly and may not be immediately apparent.<\/p><p>\u201cWithout routine health screenings, people may be unaware of issues like high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.<\/p><p>\u201cResearchers believe that a sedentary lifestyle directly impacts insulin resistance, further increasing the risk of metabolic disorders.\u201d<\/p><p>In addition, Dr. Yeo says prolonged periods of immobility are linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).<\/p><p>\u201cDVT occurs when blood clots form in the veins, usually due to sluggish blood flow in the legs. Symptoms can include swelling and pain in the calves.<\/p><p>\u201cIf a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.<\/p><p>\u201cThis is why regular movement is crucial to keeping your blood circulating well and reducing the risk of DVT.\u201d<\/p><p>Beyond these health risks, Dr. Yeo says prolonged sitting can lead to body aches and neck pain, particularly when sitting with poor posture on a sofa that does not provide adequate back support.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-327ce8d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"327ce8d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffb959b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ffb959b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-01.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-42374\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-01.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-01-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-01-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16753db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"16753db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Obesity is associated with various health problems, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and certain cancers. \u2014 Photo from pexels.com<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-073f37d elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"073f37d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5959da9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5959da9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Breaking the sedentary cycle<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d465c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d465c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The role of regular exercise in health promotion is often underrated.<\/p><p>\u201cIncorporating regular physical activity into daily routines can significantly improve health outcomes and should be an integral part of treatment programs for chronic diseases such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.\u201d<\/p><p>Exercise not only helps in managing these conditions, but also plays a crucial preventive role.<\/p><p>According to Dr. Yeo, there is abundant evidence supporting the benefits and effectiveness of regular exercise.<\/p><p>\u201cFor example, moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support weight management.<\/p><p>\u201cWeight management is another critical benefit, as physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity-related diseases,\u201d he says.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f446e98 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"f446e98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-696299e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"696299e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Movement matters<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d87420 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9d87420\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dr. Yeo says evidence from observational data indicates that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a significantly greater risk of premature death.<\/p><p>\u201cTaking breaks from long periods of sitting by doing short bursts of activity or stretching can be very beneficial. It helps improve blood flow to your legs, reducing the risk of varicose veins and DVT.<\/p><p>\u201cIt also eases muscle tension and soreness, and positively impacts glucose metabolism, which can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity,\u201d he elaborates.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a198b8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a198b8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e6f756 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8e6f756\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-02.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-42375\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-02.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-02-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-02-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c437b9d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c437b9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Evidence from observational data indicates that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a significantly greater risk of premature death. \u2014 Photo from pexels.com<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7a5473 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"d7a5473\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f76d69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5f76d69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Furthermore, Dr. Yeo says incorporating strength training exercises can help maintain muscle mass and bone density, further supporting overall health and mobility.<\/p><p>He points out that while standing alone may not be as beneficial as walking or moderate-intensity exercise, encouraging short periods of activity, whether standing, stretching, or walking, during long periods of sitting, is vital for health.<\/p><p>\u201cStrategies such as using a standing desk, taking short walking breaks, or engaging in quick stretching exercises can be easily incorporated into daily routines,\u201d advises Dr. Yeo, adding that these minor changes can accumulate significant health benefits over time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01a4b71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"01a4b71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b03663d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b03663d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-03.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-42376\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-03.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-03-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-03-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c7fc53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c7fc53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Incorporating strength training exercises can help maintain muscle mass and bone density, further supporting overall health and mobility. \u2014 Photo from pexels.com<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8328c63 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"8328c63\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7d6483 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b7d6483\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Staying active as you age<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-128ab84 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"128ab84\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As our society ages, we must address health issues associated with aging. Contrary to the belief that the elderly people deserve a laid-back lifestyle, physical inactivity can do more harm than good, potentially shortening their lifespan.<\/p><p>\u201cInactivity is a major cause of muscle wasting, leading to weakness and instability.<\/p><p>\u201cWhen combined with osteoporosis, which is worsened by a lack of physical activity, older adults become much more prone to falls and fractures. This cycle further reduces their mobility and overall quality of life,\u201d says Dr. Yeo.<\/p><p>He stresses that promoting physical activity among the elderly individuals can enhance their strength, balance, and overall health; thereby, reducing the risk of injuries and improving their quality of life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fe5cf0b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fe5cf0b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44d3f55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"44d3f55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Striking a balance for kids<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a0dd3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a0dd3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Other than the elderly people, children and adolescents, who are in critical stages of growth, require adequate physical activity to build muscle strength and bone density.<\/p><p>Dr. Yeo says providing them with the right knowledge and opportunities can foster a more active, healthy lifestyle.<\/p><p>\u201cRegular physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and enhancing mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.\u201d<\/p><p>Dr. Yeo points out that the addictive nature of consumer electronics, communications, and computers \u2013 often referred to as the \u20183Cs\u2019 \u2013 can significantly impact lifestyles, emphasising the need for parental supervision to manage screen time effectively.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33dcea3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"33dcea3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ca4512 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8ca4512\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-04.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-42377\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-04.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-04-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/health-article-dont-be-a-couch-potato-image-04-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa5f661 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa5f661\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p id=\"attachment_1211993\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><em>Providing children and adolescents with the right knowledge and opportunities can foster a more active, healthy lifestyle. \u2014 Photo from pexels.com<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9917c17 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9917c17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4f6b5c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d4f6b5c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cExcessive screen time is linked to various health issues, including poor posture, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns, as well as a sedentary lifestyle that can contribute to obesity and other metabolic conditions.<\/p><p>\u201cEncouraging outdoor play, sports, and physical activities can help young people develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Outdoor activities not only provide physical exercise but also offer opportunities for social interaction, skills development, and exposure to nature, which can enhance emotional well-being.\u201d<\/p><p>All these aspects considered, Dr. Yeo says addressing the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle requires a comprehensive approach that promotes physical activity across all age groups.<\/p><p>\u201cFrom children and adolescents to the elderly folks, fostering an active lifestyle is essential for preventing a wide range of health issues and enhancing overall well-being.<\/p><p>\u201cPublic health initiatives, educational programmes, and community support can play a pivotal role in encouraging more active lifestyles, leading to a healthier and more productive society,\u201d he said further.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9321f7b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9321f7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20681ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"20681ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">This article first appeared in<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theborneopost.com\/2024\/09\/29\/dont-be-a-couch-potato\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Borneo Post, 29 September 2024<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s fast-paced digital age, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":42359,"template":"","topic":[95,156],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-42364","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-general","topic-internal-medicine","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - 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