Researchers
have reported that sitting for long hours is linked to negative mental health
such as anxiety and depression, a higher risk of heart disease and of being
disabled. Plus these poor health problems from sitting too much can occur even
if you get regular exercise. Sitting
time has also been linked with high
blood pressure, obesity, bad cholesterol, and too much belly fat. If you are not sitting in
a correct posture you could also experience neck pain.
Scientists
aren’t quite sure why sitting too much can be linked to these health problems
but it has been suggested that sitting for a long time causes muscles to burn
less fat and blood to flow more sluggishly. Both can increase the risk of heart
disease, high blood pressure, and other problems. Unfortunately it has been
shown that people who sit the most also have an increased appetite and are more
likely to be obese which also contributes to the health issues we see with
prolonged sitting.
The American Cancer Society revealed the effects
of sitting on 123,000 people over a 13-year span in a study that showed women
who sat over 6 hours each day were 94% more likely to die during the study than
those who sat less than 3 hours a day. Men who sat over 6 hours daily were 48%
more likely to die than those who stood more. These findings were independent
of physical activity levels—sitting had the same negative effect on people who
exercised regularly as it did on those who were inactive.
The good
news, however, is that even if you have a job that requires you to
sit for 8
hours or more per day you can reduce the
potential health risks with
some simple steps
that we suggest as chiropractors in Salt Lake City. One of the easiest suggestions
is just simply stand up at your desk about every 20 minutes taking just 10
seconds to stretch your hands over your head, do a few neck circles, shoulder
shrugs, pelvic tilts, and sit right back down. This will help to increase circulation and keep muscles slightly
more active. It can also help with any existing back
pain or neck pain. Remember that every movement
you undertake during periods of sitting, no matter how small, helps to
counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting with no movement.
A more
elaborate tip is to get a standing desk where all your tasks are done standing
for the day. Of course, not everyone has the option to modify his or her work
environment, so here are a few more ideas.
- · Park your car further away from the entrances of buildings
- · Use stairs, not elevators
- · Drink water to stay hydrated which is a great health benefit and will cause you to take a couple more trips down the hall to the restroom!
- · Get regular chiropractic adjustments from your chiropractor in Salt Lake City or Sugarhouse to keep your spine flexible, free of subluxations, and allow you to have full and proper nerve function
At The Joint we care for you and your health and we take
your lifestyle into account when we recommend care for you. Whether you sit,
stand, lift or drive for your occupation we will provide the care you need to
keep your body balanced,
flexible and feeling its best and free from back pain or neck pain.
--Lisa
Royer, D.C.
