What does it mean when someone says “sitting is the new smoking”? The phrase actually illustrates the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on our health. So much so that it’s enough to be compared to cigarette smoking.
A sedentary lifestyle refers to an individual who spends the majority of their day sitting or lying down with little to no physical activity. The truth is that accounts for a lot of the population. In our modern world, such small amounts of physical activity are required to get through the day.
Whether it’s spending commute time in the car or avoiding stores with online shopping, our routines have changed a lot over the years. And perhaps most important of all, many people rely more and more on technology to do their jobs. This could mean that upwards of six, seven, maybe even eight hours of our day are spent sitting behind a computer screen.
If you’ve ever wondered whether all that sitting impacts your health, the answer is clear: Yes.
Studies show long periods of sitting can increase our risks for chronic health conditions, like obesity, diabetes, cardiac disease, and more. So how do we combat those hours of sitting? Experts recommend patients get active and stay active.
Here are some suggested ways to offset those days spent lounging:
Many Western New Yorkers struggle with their heart health. If you find yourself experiencing common heart disease symptoms, such as shortness of breath, high blood pressure, chest pain, and constant fatigue, discuss screening options with your doctor or contact a cardiac specialist near you.
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