Believe it or not, today’s generation is a society of sitters.
Every day, people sit in their cars or on buses while commuting to work. They sit in schools or offices for hours. They also sit to drive home and have dinner with the family or watch TV on the couch. Sitting is what most of us do for the whole day.
Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that sitting is a risk factor for their health. Years of research revealed that sitting increases your risk for various diseases, such as cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and depression.
Studies about Sitting’s Risk
A study from the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that men and women who sat more than 6 hours a day die earlier compared to those who sat for 3 hours or less. According to the researchers, the time spent between physical activities and sitting promoted higher risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases. The sitting time in itself is harmful despite the subject’s activity level.
The American Cancer Society’s study reported that men who sat more than six hours a day had a death rate 20% higher than men who sat for less than three hours. In the case of women, those who sat for more than six hours had a 40 percent higher rate.
Sitting is the New Smoking
Sitting’s ill effects are similar to that of smoking — the consequences are irreversible with exercise or other good habits. A number of things happen when the body sits too long: calorie rate drop, harmful effects to your metabolism and a decrease of enzymes.
When it comes to your veins, prolonged sitting worsens the symptoms due to added gravity and pressure. According to Veniti.com, patients who sit too long suffer from tired and heavy legs. The lack of movement encourages a backward blood flowing and pooling, which results in varicose veins.
The consequences of intravenous diseases lead to life-altering conditions and unpleasant veins under your skin. Fortunately, there are non-invasive treatments available.
Sitting in moderation is advisable in order to prevent further complications with your health. Rather than live sedentarily all day, find ways to limit your sitting time. Go to the gym or walk on your way home instead of commuting.
Save yourself from the damaging effects of sitting by taking a stand, literally.