Sitting for prolonged amounts of time is as, or more detrimental than tobacco smoking.
Most people are beginning to realize that sitting too much is unhealthy. Most feel lethargic after sitting after a long day at work or a TV binge . What exactly goes downhill in our bodies when we sit on the average, for nearly eight hours per day?
Common health issues from prolonged sitting:
- Tightness of hips & relative muscle groups
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Pancreas over-stimulation
- Achy shoulders and back
- Weakened glute muscles
- Vertebrae issues
- Heart disease
- Colon cancer
- Neck strain
More specific health issues:
Head:
Long periods of sitting can help to form blood clots, which can eventually travel to the brain resulting in stroke.
Neck:
Muscles in the neck become strained and tight. Fluid retained in the lower body during the day, returns to the neck region during sleep causing sleep apnea.
Lungs:
All day sitting raises doubles the risk of pulmonary embolism or blood clotting.
Heart:
Heart disease and diabetes risk doubles for those with a sedentary lifestyle versus those who are more active.
Stomach:
Prolonged sitting often leads to obesity, colon cancer and other digestion ailments. Metabolism is impaired as enzymes within muscles responsible for breaking down fats are essential turned off from lack of physical movement.
Spine (muscles & vertebrae):
Prolonged sitting puts excess pressure on vertebrae and muscles, compressing nerves connected to the whole body affecting many bodily functions.
Arms & Legs:
Lack of physical movement of the limbs helps lead to high blood pressure.
Glutes:
Pressure on nerves running through glutes and legs can become compressed causing pain and leading to more lack of activity.
Posture:
Posture is the relative placement of the human body and its components such as, but not confined to, the spine and limbs. Many people in the United States experience some type of chronic pain at some time in their lives. Causes of pain can vary depending upon the individual and their circumstances. Poor posture can be responsible for many ailments ranging from ankle, knee, hip and back pain. A spinal misalignment, due to improper posture, an injury, hereditary or even congenital conditions, can have an eventual ripple effect throughout the human body. A shift of .375″ (13mm) can cause the depicted ailments. A simple habitual tilt of the head or shift in the body weight over time, changes the alignment of the spine. This re-alignment begins to effect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves causing a total imbalance within these body systems. An injured ankle or knee can become the spark that cause a ripple effect literally from head to toe. Instinctively, as humans we try to center our head directly above our physical center of gravity. Poor posture, short leg syndrome, injuries or habitual body movements can cause remodeling of the muscular, skeletal and nervous system. These root problems can be the cause of many chronic ailments.
What is the solution to these issues?
- get up out of the chair more often
- become more active
- consult with your physician or chiropractor
- have your posture checked
- stretch regularly
- perform non-specific symmetrical exercises
- inspect footwear for uneven wear patterns
- evaluate poor posture habits and adjust
- review career choices if necessary
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Control the body with the mind. Manage the mind by disciplining the body, through physical activity. Learn to be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less – these are the key components to maintaining a strong mind, body, immune system, and outlook on life.
I am currently offering wellness lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.
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Jim Moltzan
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