Sitting Disease- Do You Have It?

Doctors are warning us that ‘Sitting Disease’ could be the new smoking.

woman working on computer sitting at desk

We all know that sitting for long periods of time is not good for our body, but is it deadly?

Recent studies show that sitting for hours leads to a whole host of chronic illness, regardless of your age.

Think about how many hours in the day you sit. Driving to work, sitting at work, eating your meals, watching TV.

Because I work from home I miss the commute to work. I also have a dog who gets me out walking throughout the day. Often times I will do a load of laundry or dishes during my day, yet from all the studies I have read I still sit way to long during my day. Since I also suffer with fibromyalgia I know only too well that sitting in one position for too long will cause me pain and suffering so I do tend to move around a lot during the day, but some days I will get into a project or writing recipes on the computer and before I know it I have been sitting way longer than I had planned.

50-70 percent of people spend six or more hours a day sitting
20-25 percent of people spend four or more hours watching TV or in front of the computer

Here are some concerning highlights of a sedentary lifestyle:

Time spent sitting is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of heart disease
The increased risk of metabolic syndrome may be up to 73%, with a possible 7% increase for every 2 hours being sedentary
The increased risks do not appear to be significantly reduce by regular physical exercise
Preliminary evidence suggests and association between sitting and cancer
The increased risk of cancer in several studies was between 13%- 30%
The risk is dose dependent- the longer you sit, both at work and during leisure, the greater the risk
Sedentary behaviour (sitting) is estimated to contribute to 6% of all deaths
This compares with 8.7% from smoking, 5.5% for insufficient physical exercise and 4.8% for obesity

Experts agree that being more active means moving during the day. So how are some of the ways you can ward off “sitting disease”? Here are some suggestions.

Stand more often- set a timer to remind you to get up
Stand while talking on the phone
Wear a pedometer and count your steps
Park further away at the shopping mall
Take the stairs in your office building or when you go to the doctor or dentist
Get active sitting- think about purchasing a CoreChair, an ergonomic sitting chair that not only builds your core while sitting, but when turned to the active sitting setting allows you to move while sitting, and shed calories as well.

Patrick Harrison has always had a passion for understanding what the sitting body needs. As a kinesiologist he knows what the body needs to stay strong and healthy. The CoreChair is a seating solution for those who find themselves confined to a desk environment. The CoreChair is a comfortable, healthy way to get active-sitting, which in turn will enable you to move while sitting. Use coupon code ShirleyPlantCC for a 15% savings at check out.

For more information about CoreChair check out this short video about the CoreChair

Does your work place offer alternatives to sitting on the job? Many workplaces are now offering standing desks. The problem with standing desk or ergonomic chairs is that we are still staying in one position. Whether you are standing or sitting we need to move.

What are your ways of reducing sitting during the day? Feel free to comment below.