Movement In The Workplace

Dr. James Levine, director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University, is credited with coining the phrase ‘sitting is the new smoking.’ He reports (and numerous studies have confirmed) that prolonged sitting is associated with more deaths than smoking. “We are sitting ourselves to death,” according to Dr. Levine.

Evidence reports prolonged sitting increases the risk of developing illnesses such as various types of cancer, heart disease, and even type 2 diabetes. While prolonged sitting is linked to lifestyle factors, it cannot be reversed through exercise or diet. However, simply standing and moving throughout the day can reset the clock!

How might sitting be shortening your life?

Prolonged sitting is associated with a greater risk of developing the following:

-More than twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
-Developing Type 2 Diabetes
-Muscular Issues
-Developing Depression

Research shows we sit an average of 10 hours a day! (That’s more time then we sleep!) We should be standing at least 2 hours while at work, and only be sitting for 30 minutes at a time.

Studies dating back to the 1950’s have linked inactivity to higher rates of chronic disease. These studies were originally conducted with bus drivers and office-based postal workers, however, more recent studies reveal workers sitting for long periods have more than twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.