Downside of Sitting on Our Backsides

Spending large amounts of time sitting down is detrimental to our health despite whether or not we are engaged in physical activity.  

The effects of sitting on our health include injuries to our muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, affecting the neck and lower back regions.  

Prolonged sitting can result in decreased body movement increasing the chances of muscles getting pulled, cramped, or strained when stretched suddenly.  One can also experience fatigue in the back and neck muscles by slowing the blood supply and putting tension on the spine, especially in the low back or neck.  Spinal discs can also become compressed and lead to their premature degeneration.   

The most common injuries people face who sit for long periods of time are disorders related to blood circulation and movement.  

Deep Veinous Thrombosis (DVT) results from sitting too long.  DVT is when a clot forms in a large vein, sometimes called "Traveller's Thrombosis" because it occurs after a long flight.   

Other adverse health effects that result from being seated for long periods of time include decreased fitness, reduced heart and lung efficiency, and digestive problems.

Research has found that sitting as an important part of the physical activity and health equation.

An Australian study done in the 1990’s found that people who watched television for extended amounts of time were at risk of higher blood levels of sugar and fats, larger waistlines, and higher risk of metabolic syndrome.  It is important to note that despite study participants engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise the health risks were the same.    

The study also found that people who took a short break from their sitting by standing or doing light activities like housework, shopping, and moving around the office had healthier blood sugar and fat levels, and smaller waistlines than those who did not break up their sitting time.  

Steps employees should take to avoid adverse health effects include breaking up sitting time, simple exercises or stretch breaks, or work-related tasks that do not require one to be at their desk.   

It is important for employers to discuss with their employees about workstation and job design changes, certain changes may need to be individual specific. 

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Posted by: suhujitha on 2010-04-06 14:53:47

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