30How sitting is making us unhealthy.
If you’re like most 9-to-5 working Americans, your daily walks (and exercise) include from your car to the office, and from your couch to the door—plus eating lunch at your desk. We spend most of our days sitting, and the ever growing amounts of evidence suggests that this is leading to many hazardous, but easily avoidable health issues. The risks associated with sitting and inactivity have been likened to those of smoking. Stand up for your health and become aware of the benefits that will come from standing instead of sitting.
Reducing the risk of obesity. The key to reducing your chances of obesity is consistent, but moderate levels of movement throughout the day. By standing frequently, you’re likely to burn 50 calories per day, according to a study in 2013, but it also may boost your metabolism and makes your muscles release lower levels of an enzyme that stores body fat.
Reducing the risk of cancer. Studies suggest that breast and colon cancer appear to be inversely influenced by the levels of physical activity in an individual. While the underlying link between sitting and cancer is still unclear, researchers have found biological indicators suggesting a strong correlation (see: c-reactive protein)
Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Standing may also help regulate the blood-glucose levels in our bodies. Sitting for extended periods of time may reduce our body’s ability to regulate these levels, and lead to a condition known as metabolic syndrome which is linked to type 2 diabetes.
Reducing heart disease. The studies that show how bad sitting is for the heart can actually be traced back all the way to the 1950s. How bad is sitting, really? Well, a study found that adults who spend more than two (yes, TWO!) hours sitting have a 125 percent increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Even those who exercise after they sit, still have a 34 percent more likely chance of developing heart issues.
The solution may seem to be to simply hit the gym after you’ve done basically no physical activity for nine hours (moving your mouse from one inch to another does not count). However, studies suggest that trying to combat extended sitting with a gym session would be like going for a jog after smoking an entire pack of cigarettes: you’re still in health debt!
We hope that after reading this, you’ll do the smart thing and stand a little more while you work. Or get up from your desk every hour to stretch and take a walk around the office. Everyone at Proforma Construction in Pleasanton, California would like to encourage you to use these health tips to start 2016 off on the right, healthy, foot!