Couch Potato
Maxine A. Ismael
Devry University

Couch Potato
The proverbial term “couch potato” has a meaning that goes beyond all sarcasm and humor. People who think they are active, by erratically exercising less than three times a week, for twenty minutes or less at a time, are actually classed as sedentary, as is someone who sits at a desk job all day, only to unwind in front of the television all night – mindlessly devouring chips and drinking coke. The consequences of such a lifestyle if prolonged, have detrimental effects on ones health. Does anyone cherish the thought of having a lower limb amputated, as a result of gangrene, facilitated by “type two diabetes” after years of eating unhealthily? Perhaps a lifetime of consuming blood pressure medications appeals, when simply all that needed to be done, was decrease daily salt and fat intake and literally move around in the fresh air? Colon cancer anyone? What about tipping the scales at two hundred and fifty pounds or more? These questions if answered honestly would be no, however what should be on everyone’s mind is; does a sedentary lifestyle contribute to ill health and disease and can it be prevented? Absolutely.
There are many myths around being sedentary and being physically active. Some examples are, that strenuously exercising for 30 minutes or more is the only way to receive maximum benefits. Some would argue that exercise may cause personal injury, or that exercise is unnecessary if you move around constantly. Others would say exercising is too expensive, with gym memberships elevating into hundreds of dollars annually. However in reality, a lack of a balanced diet and exercise is directly linked to obesity, has become an epidemic and a major contributor to other health problems, costing the health care industry billions of dollars every year. According to Michael Pollen, author of The