To Sit or Not To Sit: You’ve Sat on this Problem for Far Too Long
There’s a good chance that you are sitting down while you are reading this. But you might want to stand up.
British experts are recommending those who sit for the majority of the day, stand for at least two hours a day. Experts recommend people start with two hours of standing or light activity, eventually doubling that time to four hours in a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Recently, sitting has been compared to that of the effects of smoking, heart problems, obesity and cancer.
What are the health risks of sitting for the majority of the day?
According to the guidelines in the study, people who sit for a majority of the day, have more than twice the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a 13 percent increased risk of cancer and a 17 percent increased risk of premature death, compared to those who sit least. Gavin Bradley, director of the campaign group, Get Britain Standing, states that changing the amount of time people stand at work or where ever they find themselves sitting the most, could have huge benefits. Up to 95% of adults in developed countries are classified as inactive. “We’ve sat on this problem for far too long,” he said.
According to MensFitness.com and new research published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, a five minute stroll for every hour you sit can counteract negative health benefits to the arteries in the legs. The study found that sitting for just one hour, can limit the arteries functions by up to 50 percent and slow down blood flow. This could lead to serious future health conditions and cardiovascular problems.
The study’s lead author, Saurabh Thosar, told Medical News Today, “American adults sit for approximately eight hours a day. The impairment in the endothelial function is significant after just one hour of sitting. It is interesting to see that light physical activity can help in preventing this impairment.”
You can take a bathroom or water break, stop by a co-workers office for a visit, decide to walk to your bosses office to give her an update instead of emailing her or just stand next to your desk as you look over that report. Try to do things during the day, at 5 minute intervals for every hour, to counteract the effects of sitting for most of the day. Your arteries and heart will thank you later.
What are some things you do to counteract the effects of sitting? Share your story in the comments below!
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com, http://www.mensfitness.com
