LIVING WELL WITH COACH ROZY RADIO “AFTER BURN” – WHY SITTING TO MUCH IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH – NOT JUST YOUR JOINTS

WHY SITTING TO MUCH IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH – NOT JUST YOUR JOINTS

by

Mark “Coach Rozy” Roozen

They say sitting is the new smoking.  New stat’s are out that says bad diets and sitting to much has taken over the risk of smoking on the list of what hurts our health!  

What’s even more scary is that even if you workout – but spend the rest of the day sitting; at your desk, in front of a computer, watching the tube or just kicking back; you’ll still see health problems from sitting to much!  

What are these health risks – besides just stiff joints and an achy body?  Read on – than get up and MOVE!!

It’s Not Just Love that Can Break Your Heart

Scientists first noticed something was up in a study that compared two similar groups: transit drivers, who sit most of the day, and conductors or guards, who don’t. Though their diets and lifestyles were a lot alike, those that sat were about twice as likely to get heart disease as those that stood.  So we need find a few minutes each hour to get up – even if it’s not to run around the office – but just to get up and stretch those legs!

It Can Shorten Your Life

You’re more likely to die earlier from any cause if you sit for long stretches at a time. Like we said earlier – it doesn’t help if you exercise every day or not. Of course, that’s no excuse to skip the gym. If you do that, your time may be even shorter.

Dementia Is More Likely

If you sit too much, your brain could look just like that of someone with dementia. Sitting also raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which all play a role in the condition. Moving throughout the day can help even more than exercise to lower your risk of all these health problems. Learn more about them here.

You’ll Undo All That Exercise

The effects of too much sitting are hard to counter with exercise. Even if you work out 7 hours a week — far more than the suggested 2-3 hours — you can’t reverse the effects of sitting 7 hours at a time. Don’t throw away all that hard work at the gym by hitting the couch for the rest of the day. Keep moving!

Your Odds of Diabetes Rise

Yup, you’re more likely to have it, too, if you sit all day. And it isn’t only because you burn fewer calories. It’s the actual sitting that seems to do it. It isn’t clear why, but doctors think sitting may change the way your body reacts to insulin, the hormone that helps it burn sugar and carbs for energy. There are concerns about conditions like a brain cyst and medical experts suggest that it is not always cancerous so one doesn’t have to worry and live in agony while they wait for their test results.

You Could Get DVT or Varicose Veins

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot that forms in your leg, often because you sit still for too long. It can be serious if the clot breaks free and lodges in your lung. That’s another why it’s a good idea to break up long sitting sessions. Sit for too long and blood can pool in your legs. This puts added pressure in your veins. They could swell, twist, or bulge — what doctors call varicose veins. You may also see spider veins, bundles of broken blood vessels nearby. They usually aren’t serious, but they can ache. Your doctor can tell you about treatment options if you need them. 

You’ll Gain Weight

Without moving on a regular basis you’re more likely to be overweight or obese. If you exercise every day, that’s good, but it won’t make a huge dent in extra weight you gain as a result of too much bottom time planets on your favorite recliner!

It Wrecks Your Joints; Your Back Will Thank You for Moving

The seated position puts huge stress on your back muscles, neck, and spine. It’s even worse if you slouch.  Even if you have great posture, no matter how comfortable you get, your back still won’t like a long sitting session. Get up and move around for a minute or two every half hour to keep your spine in line. 

If You Don’t Move It, You Could Lose It

Older adults who aren’t active may be more likely to get osteoporosis (weakened bones) and could slowly become unable to perform basic tasks of everyday life, like taking a bath or using the toilet. If you view the link they suggest that moderate exercise won’t prevent it, you don’t have to go out and run a marathon or take up farming to stay mobile in your golden years. Just don’t plant yourself on the couch for hours at a time.

Stand Up for Taking Time to Stand

Work more movement into your day: Stand up and stretch every half hour or so. Touch your toes. Take a stroll around the office. Stand at your desk for part of the day. Get a desk that raises or make your own: Set your computer on top of a box.  Get up for lunch and move – don’t sit at your desk to have lunch.  All these things can help stop the negative effects of uninterrupted sitting and keep you on the road to good health.