Games are hazardous to your health and other living things

You know that feeling before, during and after a game where you think your head and/or heart is going to explode? Your stomach is churning? You think you're gonna hurl? Or have the big one?

Now it can be told: being a sports fan can be hazardous to your health.

Shocking, isn't it? But finally, we have documented medical evidence indicating what many of us already know all too well: it ain't easy being a dedicated sports fan.

According to a report out of Germany, cardiac events were about triple the norm during Germany's 2006 World Cup appearance, hosted in Germany. They won, they lost. Sound familiar? Either way, people were keeling over faster than teetotalers at Oktoberfest.

There's a report about this study from NPR. You can read the transcript of the report here. Or you can find the link for the podcast at the same location.

Oh, and let's not forget that fans sometimes really get a bit too wound up and can take out their frustration on other living things. Such as old head coach Dan Devine's dog. Remember that one? Rumors/reports of violent acts on people also pop up occasionally.

So...be careful out there! And remember: it's only a game. Ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ght.