Sitting is Deadly

Recent research cautions that too much time sitting down is unhealthy. As reported by NBC News on July 9, 2012:

“The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that sitting itself is deadly. While previous studies have looked at the health risks to the individual, the new study examines the risk of sitting for the whole population, said study researcher Peter Katzmarzyk, of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. The research ‘elevates sedentary behavior as an important risk factor, similar to smoking and obesity,’ Katzmarzyk said.

“Other studies have found our culture of sitting may be responsible for about 173,000 cases of cancer each year.

“Because U.S. adults spend, on average, between 4.5 and five hours a day sitting down, a significant shift in the population’s behavior would be needed to have an effect on life expectancy, Katzmarzyk said. This might be achieved through changes at the workplace, such as the use of standing desks, and by watching less TV…”

Waterfalls-mountainsTo help combat the work necessity of sitting more than 3 hours per day, resolve to get up and move around every 30 to 45 minutes. Better yet, go outdoors.

Think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day. For example, make several trips up and down stairs instead of using the elevator, or park at the far end of the lot, or walk to your remote mailbox and decrease time spent watching TV.

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