As humans, sitting is as inherent as standing, walking, or talking. However, emerging studies suggest that excessive sitting can detrimentally impact our health, as highlighted by researchers. A study found that people who sat for more than 8 hours a day inquired a similar risk of death as people who face obesity or smoke (*gasp*). On a positive note: if you exercise (moderate intense) for 60–75 minutes a day, you can counter this effect! No, you don’t have to quit your desk job just yet! How can something that comes so naturally to humans be considered unhealthy? Although there are studies that follow the correlation between sitting and health problems, there is still some controversy within the medical community about how sitting affects your health. Some studies state that the lack of movement is the real cause of the increase in health problems. Sitting for extended periods has been connected to:
- Increased blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Increase in obesity
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Cardiovascular disease
“The more we sit, the worse it is. The longer the duration of sitting, the more negative impact on our cardiovascular health,” stated Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of women’s heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
Good practices to stay active.
- Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
- Practice standing in activities you would usually sit.
- Consider working from a standing desk or taking a call while walking.
- Walk to work instead of driving.
- Turn everyday activities, like going to the grocery store, into an opportunity to walk!
As humans get older, sitting becomes even more commonplace. A study revealed that as the time spent sitting increases, so does early death in any case. Starting to walk with more frequency can have a positive impact on your life! From burning calories to increased energy, walking helps keep you moving and healthy! If you’re looking to be more active in your life, consider taking your dog (or getting a dog) on a walk! A study claims that people who sit less than 30 minutes at a time have the lowest risk of early death. Many doctors suggest the first step is to be aware of the time you spend sitting and consciously make an effort to move more throughout the day. And, if you’re feeling a bit under the weather with a minor ailment (cold, allergies, pink eye, and more), remember you can stay and rest at home! Download the Sniffle app and see a primary care physician of your choice all through the app! It’s that simple. The Sniffle app makes it easier to connect with physicians so you can continue to put your health first. The days of waiting for the “sick feeling” to pass are over. With the Sniffle app, you don’t have to miss work or school to connect with physicians. Start feeling better faster.
