Sitting down while reading this? You may want to stand up...
The links: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-07/acs-slm072210.php
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34209499/
The shortened version: (for those who are still seated) A new study from American Cancer Society researchers finds it's not just how much physical activity you get, but how much time you spend sitting that can severely affect your health.
The study observed significant differences in risk of death when comparing men and women who sat more than 6 hrs/day and less than 3 hrs/day. The differences are more significant for sedentary women, with the 6 hr+ seated group 37% more likely to die (during the 13 year study period), while men who sat for a majority of the day were also at a higher risk at 18%.
And according to Institute for Medicine and Public Health (U.S.), it's likely that we spend around 56 hours a week seated. By doing the maths: 6 hrs/day x 5 working days = 30 hrs a week. If 30 hrs is all it takes and it seems we achieve around 56, a majority of us should be running (or wheeling our office chairs) out to get a will kit. Better yet, parents of teens/tweens - show your children these statistics and guilt them into doing a bit of housework before you depart for the escalator to heaven and approach the automated, motorized pearly gates.
Jokes aside, it has to be a little concerning for people who work in more sedentary occupations like admin or data entry. From research, most people know the way we are living is damaging to our health, but not many people understand the reason for it being so bad for us. James Levine, M.D., Ph.D, reflects my opinion on the matter: "Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to do one thing: move. As human beings, we evolved to stand upright. For thousands of generations, our environment demanded nearly constant physical activity."
"Electronic living has all but sapped every flicker of activity from our daily lives," Levine says. "You can shop, pay bills, make a living, and with Twitter and Facebook, even catch up with friends without so much as standing up. And the consequences of all that easy living are profound."
So you're wondering how to combat this non-moving epidemic? Answer: Move. Move all the time, move as much as you can, move. Every little bit counts. Stand up to take a phone call, walk to the furthest watercooler, take the stairs, throw a soft ball around in a brainstorming session, balance on one leg during a meeting, the list goes on. Be creative.
Studies show (see article) that obese people, on averge, move 150 minutes/day less than non-obese people.
So get moving!
Like some ideas to get your workplace more active? EYP offers fun exercise ideas, games and health and fitness sessions to make your workplace more active and enjoyable. Get in touch with Kyle - kyle@exerciseyourpotential.com.au to find out more.
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