07 May Sitting Too Much? Four Health Hazards

Most everyone knows that an active lifestyle contributes to your overall good health, but few realize that the simple act of sitting down too much presents hazards to your health. Those who work long hours at desk jobs tend to be at the highest risk of health problems related to chronic sitting.

1. Leg Problems

Your legs can’t get the circulation they need unless you are up and moving regularly. Constant sitting can lead to chronic leg pain, swelling of the ankles, the appearance of varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and even life-threatening blood clots.

2. Bad Heart Health

Those with the most sedentary of lifestyles are likely to be affected by cardiovascular disease. Excessive sitting has also been linked to heart health problems that include higher cholesterol levels and problems with elevated blood pressure.

3. Brain Freeze

If you are forced to sit too much, then you may find your brain locking up on you when you are trying to find the right words or remember something you need to do. You may also feel unhappy or depressed. These things are a result of your brain not being supplied with the fresh blood and oxygen it needs to work correctly. Only moving muscles can get everything flowing right again.

4. Muscle Loss

Too much sitting can lead to the weakening of your abdominal and hip muscles. This can lead to a swayback appearance, an increased chance of falling and may limit your ability to walk in a strong and pain-free manner.

You don’t need to quit your job to avoid these problems, but you should get up and move around as much as possible during your work day. Try to stay on a regular daily exercise program, and when you are at work, you should stand up as often as possible, walk around during your breaks and enjoy your lunch while you take a stroll around the park.

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