Small Steps to Enhance Health
In today’s working world, spending hours sitting at a desk each day without taking breaks to stand, stretch and stimulate muscle movement seems to be the norm. Such long spans of sitting are proven to be detrimental to one’s health. Not only can prolonged sitting result in sore and stiff muscles and joints, but sedentary habits are believed to be the primary cause for an increase in chronic disease in recent years. The Center for Disease Control reports that prolonged sitting has been associated with premature mortality, chronic disease, metabolic syndrome and obesity. According to the National Association of Sports Medicine, research suggests that men who sit more than six hours per day are 18% more likely to die from chronic disease than those who sit for only three hours per day. Women who do the same are 37% more likely. Yikes! Statistics like these scare us right out of our seats!
While the nature of your job may not allow you to sit less than six hours a day, there are some simple strategies you can use to mitigate lack of physical activity. Some suggestions include standing up when on a phone call, stretching at least once every hour or taking a brisk walk to someone’s desk rather than emailing them. These short bursts of activity help, so don’t discount their significance. Not only does standing burn more calories than sitting, but squeezing extra activity into your day may even enhance the way your body metabolizes sugars among many other benefits. Every move matters.
Start the New Year off with an attainable goal that will impact your health in a positive way and make you feel noticeably better – get up and move more often! Learn more about the dangers of sitting and find simple solutions here.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0323.htm
http://blog.nasm.org/fitness/219/
http://soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment/2885/Standing-vs–Sitting–Which-is-Healthier-