Watch T.V. and Die Slowly: Television Viewing Epidemic

61
rate or flag this page

By Blake Flannery



Television Can Kill You - Slowly

An epidemic of mass proportions is killing 80% of Americans at an alarming rate. The roughly 80% of Americans affected can expect to have a lifespan at least 15% shorter than the other 20% not effected.There is no known cure, no scientists working on a cure, and few people realize they have the condition. Some people seem to be more immune to the disease, while others seem to "catch" it more easily.

Televisoptosis is prevalent in both men and women, and can begin at an early age. Whatever you call this "newly discovered" disease, the phenomenon is shortening Americans' lives dramatically. The U.S. government has done nothing about the issue, and both Republicans and Democrats have no current plan to alleviate those in need of treatment. In fact, recently, the federal government has promoted the disease by encouraging access to the only known link to the disease. Read about the federal governments' involvement at: http://www.dtv.gov/


History of Televisoptosis

Televisoptosis gained prevalence by the 1950's and quickly spread as more households brought the disease into their households unknowingly. At first the poor were not affected, but eventually TVO spread to those less vulnerable. In some cases one family spread the disease to other families in one neighborhood by inviting them over and exposing them. The disease quickly spread as advertisers took advantage of those affected. They realized the crippling affects of Televisoptosis and began taking advantage by advertising to the sick.Over time the tactics that the advertisers have implemented have changed. Now the advertisers must be more clever than in the early days.

The baby boomer generation was the first to "grow up" with the disease, and readily passed in on to their kids. Even as the boomers spend their last days in extended care facilities, they continue to suffer much shorter lives due to Televisoptosis. This is beginning to be seen by human rights activists as a form of euthanasia, but governing bodies deny any issues.

Government Data on TVO Syndrome

Unfortunately, the CDC has no records or data on TVO Syndrome. If you go to the CDC website and type in "Televisoptosis" you will get a "no pages or documents were found containing..." message. A cover up, funded by advertisers, is apparently in place. Fortunately a trail of evidence can be found on The Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Follow the link to read more.

Summary and Conclusions from the Trail of Evidence

Televisoptosis steals life from the roughly 80% of Americans by killing them daily in small increments. More traditional diseases shorten only the end of the victim's life, but with TVO, each day, those affected loose 3.3 hours of life. This is a newly evolved disease that scientists have never encountered in the past. Scientists are used to finding cures for diseases that cut years off the end of life, but there seems to be no apparent cure for TVO currently.

No reasearchers have stepped forward to lead the initiative to stop the spread of TVO. More research should be conducted to find out comorbid contitions which may shorten life even more in those affected. These may include obesity, heart disease, and ignorance. Those who are immune to televisoptosis should be studied to find what makes them less likely to "catch" the disease.


Credits

This hub was sponsored by Blake Flannery in recognition of becoming another year older as of today. 27 years is about 1/3 of life expectancy. What to do with the other two thrirds is the important question. Looking back on life at 81 could be a frightening activity full of regrets. Now is the time to take a stand on values. Now is NOT the time to catch TVO or any related illnesses. Stay in control!

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

Storytellersrus profile image

Storytellersrus  says:
10 months ago

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! You are OLD! I look forward to future Hubs discussing The Gut Syndrome brought on by excessive beer intake; Dating leads to Marriage inwhich you point out the horrors of this deadly addiction; and perhaps one day, Humor from the Delivery Room-- Women need not apply. I am certain your insights will amaze and delight us all. Have a great birthday.

Elena. profile image

Elena.  says:
10 months ago

Hi Blake, and happy birthday! By reading your hub I'm reminded of that quote by Groucho Marx (credited to him, anyway), "I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book."

On that note, thanks for the read! :-)

Lgali profile image

Lgali  says:
10 months ago

happy birth day..good hub

eovery profile image

eovery  says:
10 months ago

Nice hub.

We need to take more upon ourselves to watch our activity and weight. Maybe education on the subject would not hurt, but please no laws. It is our choice and right.  Why should "Big Brother be involved in this?"

Thanks again. And HAPPY B-DAY!

Keep on hubbing!

Blake Flannery profile image

Blake Flannery  says:
10 months ago

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes.

Storytellersus, thanks for the ideas.  I think your ideas are too scary for me to write about.  I think I need to stay safe with little activities like venturing outside, crossing the street, and answering the phone without caller ID.

Elena, my favorite Groucho quote is "My grandfather was great...  He was a great grandfather."

eovery, I totally agree with you, but you know we should be very careful.  They are watching us you know.  Someone is knocking on my door.  Deeeeleeetee evvvvererythinggadslhtrgbdcx

bhowell profile image

bhowell  says:
8 months ago

Hi Blake, I liked your hub. I know it has to be true! With TiVo, after work, instead of taking a walk (although I do try to walk at work during the day) I'm fixated at the "tube" trying to catch up on my fav's like Oprah, Dancing... and American Idol. If I didn't own a tv, I'm sure I'd be doing something more non-sedentary. Keep up the great writing!

Blake Flannery profile image

Blake Flannery  says:
8 months ago

bhowell,

Thanks for the comment. I am sure that hubpages is also a contributor to sedentary life. I am a victim.

Submit a Comment

Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

An American Epidemic: Killing Us Slowly in the News

  • Top television shows in 2009 on various channelsEntertainment and Showbiz!2 days ago

    Viewers have seen a lot of excellent television shows in 2009 on various channels. There are some top television shows which have built high hopes among viewers. Currently almost every channel has at least one top television show running. Rakhi Ka Swayamvar- A show with a lot of pomp on NDTV Imagine. A reality show which [...] SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Top television shows in 2009 on various ...

  • FOOD SHOWS WHIP TV NETWORKS INTO A FRENZYAsbury Park Press1 second ago

    Holiday revelers might be overindulging this week, but viewers are gorging on food television shows.

  • Television shows worth checking outSan Jose Mercury News23 hours ago

    As usual, the early part of the new year presents a gluttonous feast for television fans who have been eagerly anticipating the return of old favorites such as 'American Idol,' 'Lost,' '24' and others. But it's also a time to look ahead to several new programs. Here are a few that have piqued our interest.

working