Rising Threat of Sitting Disease

Compared to today’s lifestyle, the one from 200 years ago; before industrial revolution was more dependent on physical work. It is believed that back then people only used to sit for about 300 minutes per day on an average.

Fast forwarding to the present day, office worker sits up to 15 hours in a single day! Even school students sit for longer time period. Ironically, there is a higher chance, that you are reading this article while sitting on your chair.

If these are the cases, then you might have a “sitting disease”.

The Problem- Sitting Disease!

Sitting disease refers to the group of conditions involving high b.p. (blood pressure), blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and excessive body fats due to physical inactivity.

It is the 4 th leading risk factors for global mortality.

The Risks- A 21 st Century Affliction?

Sitting disease or physical inactivity is associated with a variety of conditions like- Obesity, Risk of heart disease, Lower back pain, Diabetes, Cancer.

The Solution- Now Get Up and Move

For the beginners, you might start by simply ‘standing’ rather than sitting. However, it is not enough to avoid certain diseases and may be tiring for some. Here are few ways to avoid a chair locked brain.

• NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) exercise
  It involves stretching, turning and bending. Doing it regularly for 10 minutes is recommended by the experts.
• Pretend its 1980
  Instead of shooting an email to your co-worker in the same block, walk to him/her and ask personally. Some organizations also has certain email free days to make their employees move from their chairs.
• Stand
  Whenever possible, try to stand rather than sitting for long. This not only tones your muscles but also burns the extra calories.
• Think your way to home
  Avoid using vehicles for short distances. While taking a bus or train, doing exercises like clenching or relaxing your muscle can be great. You can even get off at the previous stop and walk to your destination.
• TV sets
  You can do multi-tasking while watching TV. The ‘in show commercials/ advertisements could be great indicators to complete small tasks like dusting your curtains or anything.