Are you sitting down?

There’s a pretty good chance you are as we all spend so much of our time sitting down in today’s world. We sit down to eat, sit down in our cars on the way to work, sit at our desks most of the day then get home and sit in front of the TV or computer. The implications are far reaching including reduced spinal health, poor general posture, higher blood sugar, higher blood fat levels, higher waist circumference and a general higher risk of the metabolic syndrome.

In fact a recent study by Professor Paul Zimmet from the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne regarding Television viewing times (seated) provided some alarming results that everybody should consider before slumping into the couch to watch TV most nights and across their weekends or spending hours and hours in front of their computers or computer games.

The most recent study reported on the association between television viewing and risk of early death and showed that 6 year mortality rate from all causes and from cardiovascular disease causes is significantly higher with increased TV viewing time in adults. Each one hour increment in TV viewing time was found to be associated with an 11% and 18% increased risk of all cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively. Further to this and relative to those watching less TV (< 2 hours/day), there was a 46% increased risk of all cause death and an 80% increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in those watching four or more hours of TV per day.

For general spinal health, it is crucial to avoid static seated positions especially if at a desk all day. Try eating your lunch while walking or for something different, conduct a meeting while walking. The importance of regular breaks and light stretches cannot be emphasised enough. Likewise if you’re spending extended periods on the couch or in front of your computer it is imperative to get up regularly and take a stretch break. Go and make yourself a tea or coffee or grab a glass of water during ad breaks or stand up and conduct some light stretches every time the clock strikes a new hour.

Of course the best solution would be to reduce your number of seated hours and increase your physical exercise regime which not only reduces your chances of cardiovascular disease but also promotes the release of endorphins (nature’s painkillers) throughout the body and increases the strength and health of your spine and all the associated muscles, tendons and ligaments.