Sitting all day in class is bound to give you the pins and needles; you know, that feeling of numbness and heaviness in your legs that makes them difficult to move. But recent research shows that there is more to a sedentary lifestyle than this. Check the facts below.
The term Sitting Disease has been coined by the scientific community and is commonly used when referring to the bad side effects of an overly sedentary lifestyle.
Sitting down, which most of us do for at least eight hours each day, might be one of the worst things you could be doing to your health
Here is what researchers are saying:
For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking– Martha Grogan, cardiologist, Mayo Clinic
Today, our bodies are breaking down from obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression, and a host of health ills….that come from what scientists have named sitting disease.– James Levine, MD, PhD
Many of us are tied to activities that involve sitting at a desk, or to long commutes in the car. In addition, we may relax in the evening with more sitting, in front of the TV or smartphone. So what can we can be done?
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to fight sitting disease:
1. Take breaks from your desk. These can be as simple as standing, or walking down the hall. Try to space this activity throughout the day, so you don’t sit for more than an hour without a break.
2. Sit better. Attaining proper posture is one of the most important things you can do for your body.
3. Move before climbing into the car for your commute, or even better, consider walking to and from school if at all possible.
4, While watching TV – stand up. Do some squats and other moves to strengthen your legs. Dance around.
5. Swim three times a week if possible. Swimming strengthens your core, naturally improving posture and fighting back pain.
Not only will you be getting one over pins and needles, but also a host of other health conditions that seek to bring you down.