The human body's 640 muscles suggest it was made to move. Thanks to modern technology, however, we can now work, bank, shop and commute without taking more than a few steps. As a result, many people spend up to eight or nine hours a day sedentary.
A slew of recent research finds that regardless of whether you work out, sitting too much can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer. Too much sitting can also decrease your life expectancy by two years.
Get moving with these tips:
• At work, set a computer or phone alarm each hour. When it goes off, take a three-minute walk down the hall or a staircase.
• When sitting, jiggle your foot, shift in your seat or chew gum. Fidgeting can burn 350 calories daily.
• While watching TV, lift dumbbells, stretch resistance bands or pace around the room during commercials.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, October 2013
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