Prolonged sitting has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of standing and moving more to improve one’s health.
Recent research has shown that reducing sitting time by about 30 minutes daily can lead to better blood pressure measurements and ultimately reduce health risks. Rosenberg’s research provides tips on how to incorporate more movement into your day.
One way to do this is by standing during activities when you usually sit, such as watching TV or working at a desk. Another tip is to change your TV habits by incorporating standing or movement during commercial breaks. Additionally, small bits of standing and walking throughout the day can be helpful. This can be done by taking a walk after each meal or parking farther away when running errands. Even taking a break to dance to one song can make a difference.
By making small changes in your daily routine, you can reduce the negative impacts of prolonged sitting on your health.
