Sitting disease – it’s a big concern to health care professionals, including our Toronto physiotherapy and sports medicine specialists. So many people nowadays make their livings at the computer, or sitting in a car for long periods of time. Active jobs make up only 20 percent of the workforce nowadays, or even less. When you add TV watching, video games, and recreational computer time, it amounts to a lot of sitting.
Our common lifestyle has gone from one of constant activity to one of largely sitting still. To put it mildly – it’s killing us.
The inactive lifestyle
An inactive lifestyle is associated with a series of health risks. There are many studies which back up the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, even when it is adjusted for occasional periods of activity. Simply put, sitting still for long periods of time is bad for you, and results in increased risk of,
- Type 2 diabetes- the body’s metabolism is impaired and the ability to regulate blood sugars and break down fats is compromised;
- Cancer – some types of cancer seem to be affected;
- Heart disease – including poor circulation, stroke, and other disorders.
It increases your risk of dying from any cause, especially if you spend more than 10 hours per day seated. An inactive lifestyle can even contribute to mental health issues.
What can you do?
Our Toronto physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals are ready to give you advice on adopting an exercise regimen, particularly if you are starting from scratch. They can offer you advice tailored to your physical condition.
If you work in an office setting, there are ways that you can mitigate the amount of time you spend at your chair.
- Try to stand and walk for 5 minutes for every 20 to 30 minutes you spend sitting down.
- Use a fitness tracker to count your daily steps – that way you will be aware of how much you are walking.
- Have meetings walking, and schedule talks along the way.
- Walk around as you talk on the phone.
- Bring light hand weights to work and use them during your breaks.
Start somewhere…
If you lead an inactive lifestyle, there is still time to get in shape, no matter what your age. Any activity will help to start with.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day.
- You can gradually increase it to a full 60 minutes per day for optimal results.
Whether it’s a sport you enjoy, or an activity like cycling or hiking, you owe it to yourself and your health to stay active.
If you are looking for advice on starting an exercise regimen, or any other aspect of your musculoskeletal health, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Toronto physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics. Call or drop by one of our clinics today to make an appointment.
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