Get on up now

Counteract the sedentary way of life and work

There has been irrefutable proof compiled over the years that a sedentary lifestyle is dangerous. Now two new studies highlight just how dangerous — and costly — it is to be inactive. It is simple but true: You have to move.

At the end of July, The Lancet released a study of more than 1 million people. It found that, contrary to recent medical recommendations to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, a person should aim for at least 60 minutes of exercise to counteract long days of sitting at a desk.

The study also found that inactivity is linked to approximately 5 million deaths a year worldwide and to $67.5 billion in health care costs.

The American Heart Association has said that exercise alone isn’t good enough. In a science advisory resulting from its own study, the AHA said sitting for extended periods dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and death — even with a consistent exercise program.

What both studies do agree on is the importance of getting up and walking throughout the day and avoiding hours of sitting behind a desk without at least stretching your legs. There are numerous watches available to track daily steps and emit an alarm if you are being too inactive.

If that does not fit into your budget, at least get up and walk for five minutes every hour. It will keep you more alert and focused — and it could save your life.