“How Excessive Screen Time May Impact Your Child’s Heart Health: What Every Parent Should Know” – UPI.com

The time kids and teens spend on screens—like gaming, social media, or watching TV—might be a threat to their heart health. A recent study found that every extra hour of screen time can raise risks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. This research was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Lead researcher David Horner from the University of Copenhagen pointed out that while an hour here and there doesn’t seem like much, it can add up. Many adolescents are spending three to six hours a day on screens, which can significantly impact their heart health as they grow older.

For this study, researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 kids in Denmark. They looked at heart health scores based on factors like waist size and blood pressure, while parents reported how much time their kids spent on screens. The results showed a clear trend: more screen time led to worse heart health indicators.

Interestingly, sleep patterns also played a role. Kids who got less sleep or went to bed late had a much higher risk related to their screen time. About 12% of the link between screen time and heart health risk was attributed to shorter sleep duration. This suggests that sleep is crucial and can amplify the effects of too much screen use.

An AI analysis revealed a “screen-time fingerprint” in children’s blood, which could hint at how much time they spend on screens. Horner noted a pattern linking childhood screen time to possible cardiovascular risks later in life.

Though this study can’t prove direct cause and effect, it highlights the need for pediatricians to discuss screen habits during check-ups. Dr. Amanda Marma Perak, who reviewed the study for the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of good sleep for children’s health. If cutting down on screen time is tough, she suggests starting by moving screen time to earlier in the day and prioritizing bedtime.

Parents can also set a positive example. “We all use screens, so guiding kids on healthy use is essential,” Perak said. Encouraging kids to find activities other than screens can help too. She encourages parents to see boredom as a chance for kids to be creative.

Research consistently shows that excessive screen time can lead to various health issues, including obesity and anxiety. One survey indicated that nearly 30% of teens spend more than four hours a day on screens, which aligns with the growing concerns about its effects on mental and physical health.

For more on screen time’s impact on kids, check out this resource from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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