Physiology of sitting: how to improve health and fitness
“Prolonged sitting should be considered within occupational health and safety policies and practices just like other elements of posture.” ~ British Journal of Sports Medicine
Learn
how to avoid a potentially lethal disease by following simple steps.
The sitting disease, which is linked to long periods of sitting while
working, is becoming a health concern for many people. See how I
address this problem with two easy steps without affecting
productivity or using expensive equipment.
Inactivity
physiology is a relatively new branch of the science of physiology.
I believe any person who uses a computer for work or has to sit
at a desk for extended periods of time should have a basic
understanding of this new scientific field.
Start
implementing your own intervention to make sure you feel energized
and less stiff while working and ensure optimal health for the
future.
–
Sitting disease basics.
–
Surprisingly simple prevention principles.
–
Easy steps to apply interventions.
–
Possible obstacles.
Start
working in a way that does not endanger your health.
Learn
what all the hype around the “sitting disease” is about and find
out what you can do about it. If you have to sit while working for
more than two to three hours at a time (for example, working on a
computer), you may be at risk of developing some of the health
problems associated with the “sitting disease”. Problems such
as; an increasing waistline, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
high blood pressure, cancer and depression have been linked to long
periods of sitting.
Applying
interventions against the “sitting disease” can help you to lower
your risk of developing these problems, as well as help you to feel
better while you work. Instead of feeling stiff and experiencing
back pain after working – you can feel revitalized and energized.
Content
and Overview
This
course is an introduction to the sitting disease and possible
interventions against the sitting disease. Learn what the sitting
disease is and how to approach successful interventions. Factors
that can have an impact on the success of these interventions are also discussed. The applications described in the course are
especially useful for any person who is required to sit for more
than two to three hours at a time while working, and who have not yet
applied successful interventions. For example, if you are a software
developer who works on a computer for extended periods at a time.
By
the end of the course you should be able to start planning your own
interventions with confidence. Although I cannot advise you about
any specific interventions you may want to do in your own working
situation, I can help with guidance and ideas.
This
course does NOT provide exercises (such resources are not difficult
to find), but instead the aim is to explain the principles behind
possible interventions and to help you to plan changes to how you
work.
Always
be safe and cautious when changing your physical activity and it is
recommended you consult with your health care provider. I do not
provide medical or therapeutic services – my aim is to raise
awareness about the sitting disease and to bring about change to
current mainstream workplace environments and approaches.
Although
the interventions suggested in the course may not be practical in all
working situations, the basic principles behind the interventions can
be creatively applied and adapted to various different working
environments.
By
changing a few simple things in your approach to your workspace, you
could easily change your work environment from a potentially harmful
environment, to one that is enjoyable and healthy!
