One of the hot health topics this week involves the dangers to sitting. Yep, that’s right; lots of articles are coming out to state the case that sitting is taking its toll, leading to a variety of health concerns including, but not limited to, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Our society and media have to find the next big thing that will lead to an early demise. In all seriousness though, sitting still for long periods of time, regularly, does have negative effects on physical health.
It’s not a new topic. Heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension are considered to be of epidemic proportions throughout the U.S. It’s a fact that our country is fighting the sedentary lifestyle. One high profile example involves First Lady Michelle Obama who is working to solve the nationwide struggle against childhood obesity through Let’s Move!
From the time children start school, they’re sitting for the majority of their day. They may play outside for a few hours, but many others go home and hang out on the couch playing video games.
And then there’s adults. Have an office job, or any job involving a computer? Odds are that if the answer is yes, you’re sitting for the majority of your day, as well.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is good and classic advice to help keep you moving as much as possible. Another great piece of advice you’ve heard before is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This way, you’re not only be hydrating your body, you’re making yourself take a walk several times a day to the restroom. Get up every hour or so to get away from your work – take a 5-minute walk, grab a glass of water, visit the restroom or whatever else you need to do to get out of your chair for a few minutes. Let your blood circulate, refresh your mind and don’t let the fat-building processes do what they do best.
Whether you decide to stand at your desk more, get a yoga ball or yoga ball chair, take a mid-day walk or hit the gym each day, make sure you get out of your chair regularly throughout the day. You’ll feel more awake, more comfortable, less stiff and after all, upright movement is what we as homo sapiens are meant to do. Get moving!
