The human body is meant to move. That is the reason why doctors increasingly warn that sitting for long periods of time threatens wellness. Standing, on the other hand, promotes health. But exercise is the best. Sitting is, in fact, an independent risk factor for several illnesses. It raises risk all on its own – whether a person exercises or not.
Several large-scale studies show that people who spend most of the day sitting are more likely to have diabetes, cancer or heart disease. They are more prone to heart attack and stroke and more likely to be overweight. With four hours of sitting, the genes that regulate the amount of blood sugar in the body have begun shutting down. Some studies show the same with three hours of sitting and even one hour. In fact, for every two hours spent sitting, the chance of developing diabetes goes up by 7 percent. When the large muscles are not used, blood flow slows. Fewer feel-good hormones circulate. At least that’s one theory about how sitting ups the odds of depression.
Metabolism slows, too. A person burns an extra 60 calories a day by standing most of the time instead of sitting. Any kind of movement is better than no movement, say the experts. A few years ago, one study showed that the simple act of fidgeting burns 350 or more extra calories a day.
Simple lifestyle changes can help your clients’ health. Encourage your clients to take the family for a walk after dinner, stand to talk on the phone, place exercise equipment in front of their TV – and use it. At work, find a reason to get up and walk every hour – even if it’s to the water cooler.
Members should always consult a doctor about specific health concerns.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, University of Missouri at Columbia