In Canada, sedentary work has become increasingly common
among office workers, with long hours spent sitting in front of computers.
Unfortunately, this type of work can have serious health consequences,
including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and even premature
death. One way to combat these negative effects is by standing up more during
the workday.
Standing up more during a sedentary workday is important
because it promotes overall health and wellness. According to Statistics
Canada, over 85% of Canadians have jobs that require them to sit for prolonged
periods of time. This sedentary behavior has been linked to a number of chronic
health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. In
fact, research suggests that sitting for more than eight hours a day can
increase the risk of premature death by up to 60%.
Fortunately, standing up more often throughout the workday
can help counteract these negative effects. Studies have found that standing up
and moving around for just a few minutes every hour can improve blood flow and
circulation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even help regulate blood
sugar levels. While going to the gym at the end of the day can be a great way
to get exercise, it's not enough to offset the negative effects of sitting for
long periods of time. Active breaks throughout the day that focus on muscles
and joints that are greatly affected by sitting can make a big difference. For
example, standing up and doing some simple stretches for the neck, shoulders,
and back can help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and improve
posture.
The implications for long-term healthcare are significant,
as sedentary behavior can lead to increased healthcare costs in the long run.
In Canada, the cost of treating chronic diseases associated with sedentary
behavior is estimated to be over $7 billion annually. This includes the cost of
hospitalization, medication, and long-term care. By standing up more and
incorporating more physical activity into their workday, Canadians can help
reduce the risk of developing these chronic diseases and ultimately save on
healthcare costs.
The goal of Break The Sit is to promote workplace
wellness and raise awareness to the dangers of sitting epidemic that is only going to get
worse as the Canadian population ages. If
you sit all day for work, you owe it to yourself to start being more active
today.
