Is Sitting the new Smoking?

The answer is yes according to Dr. Edward Laskowski of the Mayo Clinic.

When you sit, you use less energy and extended sitting-such as at a desk, behind the wheel or in front of a screen-can be harmful.

13 studies found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day without physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying associated with obesity and smoking.

Fortunately, 60 to 75 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day counters the effects of prolonged sitting.

What can you do?

Find ways to stand rather than sit:

1. Try to take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
2. Stand while talking on the phone or watching TV.
3. Fit an exercise walk into your schedule.
4. Stretch the muscles that shorten and increase stress on your spine while sitting.

Increasing your activity will burn more calories and should increase your energy level.  You will improve muscle tone, mobility and strength all resulting in better mental wellbeing.  Of course, this is important at any age but especially the older you get.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels