Long Gaming Sessions Could Impact Your Health – Here’s What to Watch For, According To An Expert
With the rise of marathon gaming sessions, gamers are putting their health at risk from DVT
The surge of gaming’s popularity has seen a rise in marathon gaming sessions for gamers of all ages. But with those hours of endless joy comes a big hazard to gamers’ health. Prolonged hours of inactivity like sitting down whilst gaming can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
“The rise of these marathon gaming sessions makes it urgent for players to take simple yet effective steps to protect their health and wellbeing,” says Wai-Fai Cou, of leading video gaming marketplace U4GM, who stresses the importance of awareness within the gaming community. “Gamers simply don’t realize the long-term harm that being sat down for hours on end can cause, including DVT. Prevention is key and it all starts with awareness.”
Here, Cou shares some tips for combating DVT during long gaming sessions.
Cou’s Top Tips For Preventing DVT:
- Regular Breaks
The first and perhaps most important tip with any screen-related activity is to take regular breaks. Gamers often get so immersed in their sessions that they sit for hours without moving. This sedentary behavior is one of the key factors for developing DVT.
Cou advises setting a timer to remind yourself to stand up, walk about and stretch at least every hour. Even short movements can make a big difference by encouraging blood flow and reducing the chances of clot formation.
- Make Every Day Leg Day
During those short breaks, it’s not just about standing up and doing a little shake; movement is critical.
“Try to focus your stretches and light exercises on your legs,” Cou advises. “Things like rotating your ankles and short sets of calf raises help activate the muscles in your legs and joints, resulting in blood flowing freely through your veins, reducing deadly clots forming in your body.”
- Invest In An Ergonomic Gaming Setup
A proper gaming setup does more than just make you comfortable; it can help improve your posture and circulation.
Cou explains, “They’re all the rage in the gaming sphere right now and for good reason. Ergonomic setups can go a long way in reducing strain on your body in many ways. Investing in equipment that encourages good posture helps with circulation and reduces the likelihood of developing DVT.”
Make sure your legs are not crossed while sitting, and keep your feet flat on the ground to maintain healthy blood flow.
- Wear Compression Socks
For those who spend long periods sitting – whether gaming, working or even flying – compression socks can help support blood flow in your legs. They are designed to apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps blood move toward your heart.
Cou adds, “These socks are a great tool for gamers who spend long hours sitting. They can prevent the pooling of blood in the legs and lower the risk of clot formation.”
- Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to forget about hydration during intense gaming sessions, but dehydration can thicken your blood, resulting in the increase of clotting. Drinking water regularly not only helps your overall health but also improves circulation. Gamers should always keep a large bottle of water nearby and remember to take sips regularly.
- Recognize Early Symptoms Of DVT
While prevention is important, recognizing the early symptoms of DVT can be life-saving. Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness and visible veins in the legs. If gamers experience any of these signs, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Cou stresses that “Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent life-threatening complications. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to much more severe issues, such as pulmonary embolism, where clots travel to the lungs.”
- Incorporate Physical Activity Into Your Daily Routine
Outside of gaming, it’s important to lead an active lifestyle to lower the risk of DVT. Gamers should aim to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, whether it’s going for a walk, doing a workout, or even practicing yoga.
Wai-Fai Cou, gaming expert at U4GM commented:
“As marathon gaming sessions become more prevalent, the gaming community needs to become more aware of the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Deep Vein Thrombosis is one of the biggest and it’s a serious condition that can lead to fatal complications like pulmonary embolism if not addressed. For gamers, prevention is key. By taking small but frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and investing in ergonomic equipment, players can drastically lower their possibility of DVT.
“What’s most important is recognizing the symptoms early—any signs of leg swelling, pain, or visible veins should be treated with caution, and immediate medical attention is vital if symptoms worsen. DVT is a preventable condition, but only if gamers make an effort to look after themselves while playing.”