Here's One Binge Watching and Video Game Danger You Need to Know

There's one video game danger your Houston vein specialists need to tell you about. We know everyone's spent more time at home over the last two years. And we know you've been bored: it’s not surprising. But, if you've started passing those hours playing endless amounts of video games, heed this warning: you’re putting your body at risk. To help you understand, the gaming experts at OnlineCasino.ca studied the long-term effects of video game playing on our bodies. And they came up with a scary model of what constant gamers will look like 20 years from now. Let’s check it out and get scared straight…away from the gaming system!

Video Game Danger: How Constant Gaming Hurts Your (Vein) Health

According to the Canadian study, constant video gaming now could lead to varicose veins and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome down the road. And in order to illustrate the point, the study authors created Michael, who’s “A visual representation of the future gamer.

"From sleep deprivation and dehydration, to lack of vitamin D, digital eye strain and ‘PlayStation thumb’ (also known as Onycholysis, this is a condition caused by constant tapping, which causes your nail to fall from its nail bed, and can also create blisters on your fingers) — these are just some of the physical implications of spending hours online, in a gaming chair, away from sunlight and physical activity."

Think that’s scary? That’s not all ‘Michael’ faces. He’s also got an indented skull, because of chronic pressure from gaming headsets. His eyes are bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles, thanks to too much screen time. His back is hunched and his shoulders are rounded, since he doesn’t move much and has bad posture. He’s obese, because he doesn’t get exercise. And he’s got swollen ankles and varicose veins.

Binge Watching Hurts Veins, Too

Even if you don't play hours of Roblox or Fortnite, your veins could be at risk. (Especially if your Netflix cue is growing daily.) What's the problem?

According to a new study in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, watching TV for too long ups your risk for VTE blood clots by 35%. (And that risk applies to clots in your legs and lungs, also called a DVT and pulmonary embolism, respectively.)

The problem? When you watch a full season of episodes in one sitting, you stay sedentary. And that means your blood stays put, and may pool in your leg, making swelling and clots more likely.

(P.S. The risk isn't only associated with binge-watching. It applies to any activity that makes you sit for a long time. So work-a-holics beware, too!)

Protect Your Veins from Gaming and Boredom

Of course, that last problem is most concerning to your Houston and Dallas area vein specialists.  Varicose veins are a symptom of failing valves, which are often an early sign of developing vein disease. And want to know one of the risk factors for varicose veins? Staying in the same position for long periods of time, since this negatively impacts your valve function.

Thankfully, we don’t have to become Michael! Even if you can't cure your love for the games, you can get plenty of movement while you're waiting for new lives to come in. Whenever you can, stay away from the screens and step outside for a walk in the fresh air. Take a few extra flights of stairs in your home between video game rounds. Or get back to your favorite pre-pandemic workouts.

Whatever your choice, do us a favor. Step away from the screens sometimes. At least every hour or so. And if you notice signs of varicose veins, don’t wait to contact us. Instead, schedule an immediate appointmentschedule an immediate appointmentschedule an immediate appointment at one of our five Houston and Dallas area offices. Together, we'll help you see that you don't have to sit around your home, slowly turning into Michael. Just seek vein treatment right away, and we'll keep you safe and on the path to a less frightening future!