The Dangers of Being a Gamer - Please Read This!!!

I am a 35 year old male. I've been a gamer since 1985 when my parents bought me a NES. And now in 2008, the greatest year ever for gaming, my gamer lifestyle may ruined or potentially ended my life. I am suffering from chest pains and other signs of a heart attack. I also suffer from stress and panic attacks which brings on those same signs. I go to see a doctor on Monday, but if things get worse, I am rushing to the ER, thankfully just a mile away.

Heart attacks are the number one killer out there, and the scary thing is plenty of guys my age are getting them, and even guys in their 20s. I used to think you had to be 50 or older before you started worrying about that stuff, but my gamer lifestyle has put me at risk. While I was quite active as a child, my adult years have consistented of working at a desk job all day, coming home, relaxing to tv and gaming. Little exercise, and not much fruit and veggies in my diet. I may be paying the price for this already, and God, I hope I am not. I read a recent Time article that said kids are more senditary now than ever b4, and they are already showing signs of clogged arteries and diabetes.

I am writing this point to urge you guys to please get off your butt, and go do some good cardio exercising. You are hurting your body by sitting in front of the tv for hours on end. I read posts on here about people beating new releases like MGS4 within days and you can't tell me that you did this while spending most of the day being active. Eat well and exercise a lot. You don't want chest pains. IT is a horrible sensation that I would not wish on anyone.

While I play games more than most people, I'm a really fit couch potato.

Remember that some people's bodies are different than most others, so some may need more exercising than others.

I take a good 2 mile run once every two weeks, with a jog every day with my dog. Just small things like that every day are keeping me healthy. That's just about 10 minutes a day exercising, and you I can spend the rest of my day on the couch. Of course there's also DDR :P

Good luck with your situation TC, and I hope you get better soon.

Headline: GTA IV gives people heartattacks! :P

:roll: just because you led an unhealthy life centered around video games doesn't mean its dangerous to be a gamer.

Dangers of being a gamer? More like dangers of over eating and lack of exercise...moshakirby18

QFT

At 26 years old, my metabolism slowed down a lot. I grew a gut.

I realized this was a problem. Not because I was creeping faster towards death, but because I just didn't look good anymore. Women prefer fit men. So, I changed my diet and started excersizing. Within 3 months I was back to my original size. Dropped 2 belt sizes!

Not everyone is motivated by the same thing. If I play hard, (or game hard) and that brings me closer to death, so be it. Not being able to get laid because you're out of shape... now that is a problem.

I don't even know where I'm going with this anymore. What an unusual thread.

Cheers,

Knoa

Dangers of being a gamer?

I'm 26, and I've been gaming since the NES days. I am and always have been a very dedicated gamer, yet I find the time to run my business, work out, hang with friends, family, have a social life, and do everything else that life requires.

What you face today is not the dangers of being a gamer, it's the dangers of not taking care of yourself. It was your choice to neglect your well being, and that's why you suffer today. The blame belongs on you, not video games.

I don't mean to be a dick, I'm just saying what needs said. I hope everything works out well for you, just don't use video games as your excuse.

Good luck.

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Blackjaw

no you can blame yourself for being stupid but i always go out and get exercise the only timei really play games is at night

wow. i do not know this would happen....

luckily i am healthy, i exersice regularly, 3 times a week :)

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Blackjaw

Lol thats funny :lol:

[QUOTE="Blackjaw"]

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Nick3306

no you can blame yourself for being stupid but i always go out and get exercise the only timei really play games is at night

Ive lost so much weight in the past 2 months. I almost got a full 6 pack and i owe it to doing a 15 minute workout eachday in my room simple sit ups, push-ups, crunches and leg-ups . and i drink a crap load of water and watch my diet.

also a large percentage was lost during a drug binge aswell.

Dangers of being a gamer?

I'm 26, and I've been gaming since the NES days. I am and always have been a very dedicated gamer, yet I find the time to run my business, work out, hang with friends, family, have a social life, and do everything else that life requires.

What you face today is not the dangers of being a gamer, it's the dangers of not taking care of yourself. It was your choice to neglect your well being, and that's why you suffer today. The blame belongs on you, not video games.

I don't mean to be a dick, I'm just saying what needs said. I hope everything works out well for you, just don't use video games as your excuse.

Good luck.

nyc05

I am not putting the blame directly on video games. I am not saying video games alone cause heart attacks anymore than GTA makes someone a cop killer. I am saying the typical gamer lifestyle of couching for hours on end, sacrificing sleep and eating bad food can end your life a lot faster than most people realize.

If you are able to game and take care of yourself, that's great. But you can't deny that this hobby does require a massive amount of senditary time to full enjoy and complete games. I spent a lot of time gaming, and I have probably 100 Xbox games that I never completed. Even some with the wrapper still on it. I am not nearly as hardcore as others, and here I am facing the potential of having clogged arteries. It is very scary.

Headline: GTA IV gives people heartattacks! :P

:roll: just because you led an unhealthy life centered around video games doesn't mean its dangerous to be a gamer.

americahellyeah

I dont think he was trying to spread the message that being a gamer is dangerous. He was just trying to get our butts off the coach and exercise. As a gamer, I cant say that gaming doesnt affect my habits. It does. It actually has a significant impact on my daily routine. Sometimes, instead of going out to play basketball or go to the beach and surf, I'm home playing video games. Granted, all this is our own faults, but dont you find it hard to miss a night of MGS4 or Gears of War online? Or perhaps a new game you just purchased? There are nights where I'm pinned to the television screen surfing gaming websites, reading up previews and any gaming news I can get my hands on. Not to mention, forum posts and blogs. The TC makes a great point, it can become dangerous and he doesnt want the axe and the hammer to hang over our heads.

Gaming is a strong force. It's an addiction. For some it's uncontrollable, for others it's casual. For some it's undeniably habitual. For all you know, you may think that you're healthy but you're not. Just because you're fit, or skinny, or not overweight doesnt mean anything, any more. You would be surprised how many "fit looking" people have some of the worst blood pressure, high blood sugar, and even high cholestoral levels. Sitting long hours in front of the TV, playing games or surfing the web will really ruin your eyes. And what happens to your muscles and bones? Inactivity = old age crippledness. Do what the man says and get out more. Get active. Get fit. Get life.

P.S. You'd be surprised how much more you'll love gaming when you dont spend all your time playing them. You'll appreciate it more and you wont get as bored. Too much of a good thing can be bad guys.

Headline: GTA IV gives people heartattacks! :Pamericahellyeah

Diet, Exercise, Rest, and Spirit. There's your AAAAE to everyone.

My advice is to continue being a gamer, get a Wii and Wii Fit.Kunlun

I thought that too. :D

I am a 35 year old male. I've been a gamer since 1985 when my parents bought me a NES. And now in 2008, the greatest year ever for gaming, my gamer lifestyle may ruined or potentially ended my life. I am suffering from chest pains and other signs of a heart attack. I also suffer from stress and panic attacks which brings on those same signs. I go to see a doctor on Monday, but if things get worse, I am rushing to the ER, thankfully just a mile away.

Heart attacks are the number one killer out there, and the scary thing is plenty of guys my age are getting them, and even guys in their 20s. I used to think you had to be 50 or older before you started worrying about that stuff, but my gamer lifestyle has put me at risk. While I was quite active as a child, my adult years have consistented of working at a desk job all day, coming home, relaxing to tv and gaming. Little exercise, and not much fruit and veggies in my diet. I may be paying the price for this already, and God, I hope I am not. I read a recent Time article that said kids are more senditary now than ever b4, and they are already showing signs of clogged arteries and diabetes.

I am writing this point to urge you guys to please get off your butt, and go do some good cardio exercising. You are hurting your body by sitting in front of the tv for hours on end. I read posts on here about people beating new releases like MGS4 within days and you can't tell me that you did this while spending most of the day being active. Eat well and exercise a lot. You don't want chest pains. IT is a horrible sensation that I would not wish on anyone.

jeffbase33

Panic attacks mimic heart attacks in almost every way...are you sure you don't just have an anxiety disorder?

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Blackjaw

Dont wait till you die, sue them now, dammit think of the children.

[QUOTE="jeffbase33"]

I am a 35 year old male. I've been a gamer since 1985 when my parents bought me a NES. And now in 2008, the greatest year ever for gaming, my gamer lifestyle may ruined or potentially ended my life. I am suffering from chest pains and other signs of a heart attack. I also suffer from stress and panic attacks which brings on those same signs. I go to see a doctor on Monday, but if things get worse, I am rushing to the ER, thankfully just a mile away.

Heart attacks are the number one killer out there, and the scary thing is plenty of guys my age are getting them, and even guys in their 20s. I used to think you had to be 50 or older before you started worrying about that stuff, but my gamer lifestyle has put me at risk. While I was quite active as a child, my adult years have consistented of working at a desk job all day, coming home, relaxing to tv and gaming. Little exercise, and not much fruit and veggies in my diet. I may be paying the price for this already, and God, I hope I am not. I read a recent Time article that said kids are more senditary now than ever b4, and they are already showing signs of clogged arteries and diabetes.

I am writing this point to urge you guys to please get off your butt, and go do some good cardio exercising. You are hurting your body by sitting in front of the tv for hours on end. I read posts on here about people beating new releases like MGS4 within days and you can't tell me that you did this while spending most of the day being active. Eat well and exercise a lot. You don't want chest pains. IT is a horrible sensation that I would not wish on anyone.

Zoso-8

Panic attacks mimic heart attacks in almost every way...are you sure you don't just have an anxiety disorder?

I'm pretty confident that my problem is just anxiety because I've had this crap hit me before and I've been to the ER with heart attack fears more than once. I've been under tremendous stress with my job which triggers this. Still a big wake up call for me.

[QUOTE="jeffbase33"]

I am a 35 year old male. I've been a gamer since 1985 when my parents bought me a NES. And now in 2008, the greatest year ever for gaming, my gamer lifestyle may ruined or potentially ended my life. I am suffering from chest pains and other signs of a heart attack. I also suffer from stress and panic attacks which brings on those same signs. I go to see a doctor on Monday, but if things get worse, I am rushing to the ER, thankfully just a mile away.

Heart attacks are the number one killer out there, and the scary thing is plenty of guys my age are getting them, and even guys in their 20s. I used to think you had to be 50 or older before you started worrying about that stuff, but my gamer lifestyle has put me at risk. While I was quite active as a child, my adult years have consistented of working at a desk job all day, coming home, relaxing to tv and gaming. Little exercise, and not much fruit and veggies in my diet. I may be paying the price for this already, and God, I hope I am not. I read a recent Time article that said kids are more senditary now than ever b4, and they are already showing signs of clogged arteries and diabetes.

I am writing this point to urge you guys to please get off your butt, and go do some good cardio exercising. You are hurting your body by sitting in front of the tv for hours on end. I read posts on here about people beating new releases like MGS4 within days and you can't tell me that you did this while spending most of the day being active. Eat well and exercise a lot. You don't want chest pains. IT is a horrible sensation that I would not wish on anyone.

Zoso-8

Panic attacks mimic heart attacks in almost every way...are you sure you don't just have an anxiety disorder?

I'm pretty confident that my problem is just anxiety because I've had this crap hit me before and I've been to the ER with heart attack fears more than once. I've been under tremendous stress with my job which triggers this. Still a big wake up call for me.

I am a 35 year old male. I've been a gamer since 1985 when my parents bought me a NES. And now in 2008, the greatest year ever for gaming, my gamer lifestyle may ruined or potentially ended my life. I am suffering from chest pains and other signs of a heart attack. I also suffer from stress and panic attacks which brings on those same signs. I go to see a doctor on Monday, but if things get worse, I am rushing to the ER, thankfully just a mile away.

Heart attacks are the number one killer out there, and the scary thing is plenty of guys my age are getting them, and even guys in their 20s. I used to think you had to be 50 or older before you started worrying about that stuff, but my gamer lifestyle has put me at risk. While I was quite active as a child, my adult years have consistented of working at a desk job all day, coming home, relaxing to tv and gaming. Little exercise, and not much fruit and veggies in my diet. I may be paying the price for this already, and God, I hope I am not. I read a recent Time article that said kids are more senditary now than ever b4, and they are already showing signs of clogged arteries and diabetes.

I am writing this point to urge you guys to please get off your butt, and go do some good cardio exercising. You are hurting your body by sitting in front of the tv for hours on end. I read posts on here about people beating new releases like MGS4 within days and you can't tell me that you did this while spending most of the day being active. Eat well and exercise a lot. You don't want chest pains. IT is a horrible sensation that I would not wish on anyone.

jeffbase33

Sounds like somebody needs to buy a system that rhymes with "we". Seriously though I've been playing video games since the age of 5. I am 31 now and I don't recall ever coming close to a stroke or heart attack but, I do say this with a heavy heart that the PS3 system is lacking quality RPGS, a situation that I hope will be rectified. Speaking of things rect the only problems I've had are my butt falling asleep because I don't take breaks every hour like I should (boo hoo) as long as your not at an internet cafe playing some lame game you won't croak. Oh, and NEVER use your PS3 while you're in the tub. No.. No.. NO!!!! you are going to be okay but, then again I'm not a doctor so you should seek treatment for your addiction right now. I'll be looking for your games on Ebay/Amazon.com

[QUOTE="Nick3306"][QUOTE="Blackjaw"]

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Matt-4542

no you can blame yourself for being stupid but i always go out and get exercise the only timei really play games is at night

[QUOTE="americahellyeah"]Headline: GTA IV gives people heartattacks! :PVyse_Legends

I know what you mean TC. About a year ago I was about 60 pounds larger and had panic attacks anxiety, and some very few chest pains here and there. I would lie on my bed all day and just play video games. Once i was out of High school(about 4 years ago), I did nothing but play all day, eat McDonald's at least 4 times a week, and sleep really late and wake up early. I put an end to that at around August of last year. A good book that I would recommend is "You on A Diet". the book insists on walking(or any other type of cardio) at least 30 minutes a day and do at least 15 minutes of a workout 3 times a week. Everyday(except for Sunday, Cause I go to Church)I walk 1 hour in Florida heat every morning :). I've also literally cut out entirely McDonald's, Burger King, and other Fast food joints, Anything fried, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Anything with Hydrogenated oils in their ingredients(Trans fats), Sweets, enriched or blaeched flour,and Soda.I've also cut out red meat entirely(If I have to have it, no more than once a week) and eat only Chicken, Turkey, and Fish. I eat vegetables at least twice a day. and I need to work on my fruit consumption(reading that over makes it sound funny :p). Also eat only Whole wheat products, skim or 1% milk, whole grain cereals(this one is hard cause cereal is my favorite food, and can't help having some crunch berries sometimes...sparringly though) plus I grill or bake all the meat I eat(haha).

I'm still a pretty big guy, I have a long way to go...maybe another 100 pounds and I'll feel I've reached my goal( my friends say 40 more and you'll be good but I say NAY!). I have seen a considerable change in my lifestyle, I haven't had chest pains in a long time, panic attacks have been nulled, and my anxiety has reached near to none. I've also seen my clothes feeling a lot looser and I can fit into dress sizes that I haven't fit into for years.

I would be a liar, to say I've been following this to the T. I've had a few slip-ups(especially recently) in my eating habits, nothing to serious mind you, but still unacceptable and reading your post has definitely made me think of a situation I never want to see myself in. I hope that everything turns out for the better and you wont have to go through any type of emergency surgery. I tell those who are still pretty young and finding themselves hacvng a habit of just sitting down all day. Right now I'm 22 years old, and I wish I had started living a healthier lifestyle when I was 16, but the past is the past. I still play lots of videogames(I'm currently unemployed..:( bummer huh?) cause their is usually not much else to do in the house. I try to get out as much as i can, or do something else besides play video games, such as Claening up around my room/house, doign some meaningless errands, hanging out with friends who don't just wanna play videogames, re-pose some of my action figures(not dolls A-C-T-I-O-N F-I-G-U-R-E-S) or something else.

I think I might buy a beat old muscle car, and just work on it until it looks Barret-Jackson worthy or something. That'll give me plenty to do for at least 3 years :)

Dangers of being a gamer? More like dangers of over eating and lack of exercise...moshakirby18

QFT.

It's your own fault. Don't blame the video games.

No one forced you to play so much.

Nah, j\p... Thanks for the heads up, dude. =]

Fair post, and well done for doin your bit to help all the other tubs of lard out there. I work a desk job, plus I smoke :shock: (absolutely filthy habit, anyone who hasn't started yet, please don't. Complete waste of your money, and your health).

But I cycle to work and back every day, plus, I swim for an hour or two every week. and now I'm in really good shape/ Was fat for a year or two, not too long ago, but made the decision to sort myself out.

Yeah I better get out this summer. I also have to start working out.

[QUOTE="Nick3306"][QUOTE="Blackjaw"]

I just read this thread and ate three tubs of butter, drank a 6-pack of regular Budweiser, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, ate another tub of butter, and played WoW for 14 hours straight without using the bathroom.

Can I blame Blizzard when I die?

Matt-4542

no you can blame yourself for being stupid but i always go out and get exercise the only timei really play games is at night

:lol: I can't believe he thought he was serious ..

It's basically just some common sense really. Heck, I don't even play games for that long (regularly anyways). I try to do what I can, but certain complications (completely unrelated to video games) completely zap your energy to be a very active person sometimes. I was a very active person prior to it though (outside all the time). Infact, video games have done me more help than harm as they have eased my mind off of things (and kept my sanity) and still do. I still have the problems I do today and have had it for years, but video games take me out of reality sometimes, which is good. But I don't play 24/7 (I couldn't anyways) and I sure as hell don't play MMORPGs (which require you to play 24/7). Nor do I drink Reb Bull, my "computer chair" is not my home and hot pockets aren't the only thing I eat (they don't even have them in Canada in the first place). I rarely eat junk food (I don't even eat muffins). The only thing I have while I play is a glass of pop, or a cup of tea. I never eat while playing and I always pay attention. I also know, "real world comes first".

I've been a gamer since 1982/3. Always in moderation (minus a few good stories that would get a long play through when first bought, happens once every few years or so)

Sorry dude, i hope you feel better. As for me, im young, and in good health, ive gotten out of shape since summer started and im no longer in crosscountry. Anyways, i make a point of getting up and going outside and skating or even just walking around for a bit after a while of playing games. I do not plan on getting fat.therealcoolin

No-one "plans on gettin fat"

This is how it begins :twisted:

I kinda feel bad for all u people who have these problems, but i also think its all ur fault. U have the choice to put the controller down and what to eat and when to workout. MOst of u are adults who can drive themselves to a gym and workout. Im only 16 and i am pretty lazy and im NOT fat. Im actually pretty skinny because i eat all the time and that makes my matabilism(sp?) always work so i stay thin lol. But thats going to change very soon for me because when i join the gym, im going to be eating right to buff up because next year im doing this army training for Co Op to get credits for high school. U guys just have to commit your selves to do something active. Its hard to start and get into a routine but once u do, its natural. Its not being a gamer that makes u fat its U being lazy. Sorry to sound like a jerk but its the truth. Plus dont u want girls to like the way u look and ur self? I no i do. Im not an ugly kid or anything but i could be better (bodywise) for myself and to look good. Anyway for u ppl who do have problems, get better and treat ur bodies right.

___