News Release

Unhealthy behavior may be cross-generational

Abstract 14784 (Room S503, Core 2)

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Heart Association

Children whose parents spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer or other screen are more likely than other children to have excessive screen-time habits, as well as associated risks for heart and blood vessel disease, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014.

"Screen time of children is significantly associated with parental screen time," said Masao Yoshinaga, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead author and chief director of pediatrics at National Hospital Organization, Kagoshima Medical Center in Japan. "To reduce screen time in children, parents should reduce their screen time."

Researchers also found the risk of obesity in boys' linked to their fathers' obesity, while girls' obesity was linked with both parent's obesity.

Participants included more than 1,000 healthy children --540 boys and 574 girls -- between the ages of six and 12 years old in seven different regions of Japan.

The researchers measured participants' height, weight, waist circumference, and heart and blood vessel risk factors, as identified by blood tests. Both participants and their parents wore a pedometer for a week and answered questionnaires about their screen-time and sleeping habits.

In addition to decreasing screen time, researchers suggest increased walking and more sleep may be a first-step approach for helping elementary school children to lower their future cardiovascular risk.

###

Masao Yoshinaga, M.D., Ph.D.; National Hospital Organization, Kagoshima Medical Center, Japan

Additional Resources:

  • Available multimedia resources (photos/videos/graphics) are available on the right column of the release link http://newsroom.heart.org/news/wednesday-news-tips-2775517?preview=780d31711ac1ba6d7bc980c673cf3069

  • For more news from AHA's Scientific Sessions, follow us on Twitter @HeartNews #AHA14

    Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

    For Media Inquiries:

    AHA News Media in Dallas: (214) 706-1173

    AHA News Media Office, Nov. 15-19,

    at the McCormick Place Convention Center: (312) 949-3400

    For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

    heart.org and strokeassociation.org

    Life is why we fund scientific breakthroughs that save and improve lives.


  • Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.