As a blogger for the last few years, the New York Times caught my attention with an article that highlighted the severe health problems that have afflicted some bloggers. Three recently had heart attacks and two of those did not survive. The heart attack victims:

• Russell Shaw, a technology blogger who died a few weeks ago at 60 of a heart attack;
• Tech blogger, Marc Orchant, died in December 2007 at 50 of a massive coronary; and
• Om Malik, 41, another tech blogger survived a heart attack in December.

Meanwhile, Michael Arrington of TechCrunch -- another technology blog -- appears to be risking his health. The Times reports that TechCrunch has brought in millions in advertising revenue, but that Arrington has gained 30 pounds in the last three years and developed a severe sleeping disorder. It quotes Arrington as saying, "At some point, I'll have a nervous breakdown and be admitted to the hospital, or something else will happen."

The Times suggests that one reason for these health problems may be the competitive nature of blogs about technology developments and news. They are in a vicious 24-hour competition to break company news, reveal new products and expose corporate mistakes. Not being first to break a story can cost a blogger traffic and advertising dollars.

I hope this story helps to highlight the health risks of taking that competition too seriously.

Peter Cohan is President of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College and edits The Cohan Letter.