Can sitting all day affect my health?
I often sit in an office chair all day. Can it affect my health?
Inactivity for long periods of time can prove to be a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease, while an exercise program can start to prevent heart disease, manage diabetes and address obesity.
The trend in both work and home life restricts activity, relaxing in front of the television, or working remotely in front of a computer screen. The problem is the amount of time that lapses without much movement. You can start by getting active and consider incorporating a few of these easy steps:
1. Keep track of your daily step total — a simple device such as a pedometer or a fitness app can track your total steps every day, helping you realize your goals.
2. There is more than one way to move — being active is a thoughtful process. Doing simple things like taking the stairs or parking farther from the entrance of a store can add up quickly.
3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise — It is never too late to start an exercise program. A good strength training one to two times a week will help build up your muscles and get you stronger, allowing for more endurance.
4. Be creative — When taking calls at home or talking with co-workers, think vertical. Get up on your feet and walk and talk at the same time.
The choice to exercise or not is completely yours. The benefits are something that can be life-changing and prevent you from major health roadblocks in the future.
Dr. Chris LeSar is a vascular surgeon with Vascular Institute of Chattanooga and is a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.