Since the 1920s, spectating sports has been a popular form of entertainment, according to Expedia. Watching sports provides a sense of adrenaline, dopamine, and a source of connection with others. However, some concerns suggest sports watching may be bad for your health.
According to Robert H. Shmerling’s article on Harvard Health Publishing, “Can watching sports be bad for your health?” watching live sports in person may lead to heat stroke, dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite, stampedes, riots, brawls between rival fans, and the risk of being struck by flying objects such as balls or bats.
Cardiovascular health is also at risk with the stress and excitement sporting events can implement onto fans via in-person and broadcasts.
“I’ve seen it firsthand while working in a walk-in clinic near Fenway Park, where people would show up bleeding from cuts that needed stitches (from trips and falls at the stadium), broken bones (from trying to catch a foul ball or an altercation with another fan), and dehydration,” said Shmerling in the article.
Sports such as football, soccer, baseball, and then some typically take place outdoors.
Weather conditions can leave fans too cold or hot if they’re not properly prepared with accommodating clothing. Extreme cold temperatures could lead to hypothermia or frostbite while hot conditions could lead to heat stroke or dehydration if spectators are not consuming enough water. Alcohol is often sold at these venues and that affects proper hydration.
Manny Ponce, a Delta College student, said he checks the weather before going to sporting events so that he can stay comfortable.
While sporting events can promote bonding experiences, different fans bring different ideas and sometimes these strong opinions can quickly escalate. Stampedes, riots, and brawls can occur and lead to injury. Injury can also occur via flying objects such as balls or bats.
“There was a time we watched football and the kicker missed the field goal and my friend pushed me and I pushed him back, words were said,” said Juan Jimenez, a Delta College student.
Cardiovascular health can be affected by heightened emotions and salty junk foods served at events.
“Older studies have linked hospital admissions for heart failure and cardiac arrest with watching sporting events,” said Shmerling in his article.
“It stresses you out if you are a real fan,” said Jaelyn Butler, a Delta College student. Butler said he feels like when his team is winning he’s winning and when they’re losing, he’s losing. Sporting events are meant to be a source of entertainment and though these health concerns are possible, the chances are not high and they can be prevented.
Shmerling recommends being prepared for the weather, taking your medication if you have cardiovascular disease, staying hydrated, consuming alcohol in moderation, and staying alert at live events.