Don't Plop Down -- Plop Up!

Although it might sound like the latest health fad, a growing body of research suggests that a sedentary lifestyle at home or work can be detrimental for your health and wellness. Most of the time when people say they don't have time to be more active, their response is linked to not having enough energy. It is obvious from the numerous studies conducted on health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles that as your total time sitting increases, so does your risk of chronic disease. Adding activities throughout the day can boost energy levels effectively giving you more time not less.

Tips for Combating "Sitting Disease"

Breaking up sitting time gives all your bodily functions a boost, like revving your car's engine. Listed below are ways you can increase activity, such as:

• Remember to Move - There are inexpensive phone apps that will let you know when you've been stationary too long and it is time to move.
• Stand Up at Work - Get off your seat and increase your metabolism by standing up every half hour of the workday.
• Add More Walking - An excellent way to get some fresh air while getting business done is to conduct a brief walking meeting at work or at home.
• Break Up Your Routine - On average, we spend about 9.5 hours a day sitting compared to 7.5 hours sleeping.
• Stay Active at Home - If you work all day and plop down on the sofa at night, take short breaks to complete one item of housework.

Sitting for long periods is thought to slow your metabolism, which affects your body's regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and the ability to breakdown fats.

It's Time to Get Moving... Call MRC Today!

If sitting is a favorite activity, you could be taking years off your life expectancy. Spending excessive amounts of time sitting every day shortens an important cell component called telomeres, which is believed to be the equivalent of eight years of aging. Spending the day at the office or at home doesn't mean it has to be sedentary but you have to get up and move. You're not abandoning work. You're ensuring that the time you are working is more productive. Being active brings a sense of purpose and value, improved sleep and reduced stress for a better quality of life and stronger social connections. Contact the Metabolic Research Center and get moving today.