Sitting... How It Affects Our Health

The conveniences of today, which I’m so thankful for, don't allow us to use specific muscles and movements that often will go ignored.

We work at desks, most likely hunched over at a computer. We're in the car delivering, making sales. This stops us from MOVING like we were designed to do.

So why is sitting so bad for you anyway?

As you read the following information, you will be shocked as I was to see how detrimental sitting is to our health.

I have taken action to make sure that I am moving more during the day.

There are so many things that cause issues with our health.

However, the great news is these can be preventable.

There are steps we can take to ensure that we have longevity and vibrancy as we age.

Many Americans spend their day sitting.

An average US adult will spend anywhere from 9 to 10 hours every day sitting. Unfortunately spending 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day does not seem to offset its harmful effects.

Dr. James Levine, Author of the books, Get up! Why your chair is killing you and What you can do about it. He is also the Co-Director of Mayo Clinic, and Arizona State University Obesity Initiative has put a good part of his career to investigating the health effects of sitting.

Our body was designed to be active when we stop moving for an extended period. It’s like telling your body to shut down.

Sitting for prolonged periods of time affect the following, just to name a handful:

PANCREAS- Our bodies capability to respond to insulin is changed in only one day of sitting. Which leads our pancreas to produce large amounts of insulin, that may lead to diabetes.

HEART- While sitting, blood flows slower in the muscles will burn less fat, making it more likely for fatty acids to clog the heart. Research from the Journal of American College of Cardiology, show that women who sit for 10 or more hours a day may have a higher risk of developing heart disease and those who sit for five hours or less.

DIGESTION- Sitting down after a meal causes our abdominal substances to be packed together, slowing down digestion. This can lead to cramping, bloating, heartburn, and constipation.

POSTURE PROBLEMS- Strained neck and shoulders are typical as we hold our neck and shoulder forward while working on the computer. Also, holding a phone to our ear can cause neck strains, sore shoulders, and back.

BACK PROBLEMS- Interesting enough, sitting puts more pressure on our‘s spine then standing does. That takes a significant toll on our back health. 40% of people who endure back pain are those who have spent long hours at their computer each day.

HIP PROBLEMS-

Prolonged sitting increases hip problems, as they become tight and have a limited range of motion since they are rarely extended. Sitting also hinders our glutes. They become weakened, affecting our stability in the power of our stride as we walk.

VARICOSE VEINS- Sitting causes poor circulation in our legs. This can cause swelling in her ankles, varicose veins and blood clots.

===> So with all this information what do you do to help yourself.

Below are ways to “sit smarter.”

1.) Park your car further away from the entrance

2.) set your alarm for 15 minutes and get up walk around or do a stretch or 2 at your desk.

3.) take a longer trip to get your desk

4.) get up to talk to your coworker instead of sending an email/text

5.) set up your office, so you have to stand up to get files, answer the phone, or go to your printer.

6.) use a stability ball for a chair which in proves balance and flexibility and engages your core muscles.

7.) use a wooden chair with no armrests. This will force you to set up right and the need to shift your body more frequently than one with armrests.

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8.) use a standing desk/workstation.

I don’t know about you; I’d like to do all that I can to age gracefully. That means being proactive and taking steps every day with our future selves in mind.

Here's to our Journey,