Well, of course I knew that not getting enough exercise is bad for you. However, I've been at my computer for such a long time doing the family history thing that I've spent probably 10 hours a day sitting. It was even starting to hurt my back and my eyes.
I saw an article in AARP magazine that unnerved me. Here's what it said:
"Sitting for long period of time raises your risk of dying--no matter what your physical activity level is. New American Cancer Society research found that women who sat for six hours a day were 37 percent more likely to die during the 14-year study period than those who sat less than three hours a day (for men, the risk was 18percent higher). Study author Alpa Patel, PhD., says we can forestall the deleterious effects of sitting by getting up hourly--Gabrielle deGroot Redford."
Well, this is pretty spooky. So I'd better sign off for today.
Granted, I did spend today patching, sanding and painting. I now have aching fingers from gripping the paintbrush, a sore back from crouching down and reaching up to paint and a sore toe (no, I didn't kick the paint can). Still... maybe it will help me live longer?
sit for less than 3 hrs a day? That means we have to stand or walk most of the time. Ridiculous -- unless you are a waitress or a pharmacist or a hairdresser. Do they have longevity?
ReplyDeleteWell, standing for long periods often results in varicose veins.
balance in all things. when you are at the computer for hours doing a project, listen to your body and get up and walk around occasionally at least every hour-do stretches and take an walk now and then.
ReplyDeleteThere's always someone scaremongering, isn't there? Still, I'm sure you've made up for your hours of sitting with your painting:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure standing and lying are also bad. What's left?
ReplyDeleteI saw that article, too. I wasn't too concerned, because I'm pretty active; I might sit a lot, but because I drink a lot of water the sitting time ISN'T uninterrupted :-)
ReplyDeleteI guess the saying all things in moderation holds true here.
ReplyDeletewe all do that too at the computer. Perhaps something similar to AA will provide the remedy.
ReplyDeleteoh that's scary news, Kay. More incentive to keep active.
ReplyDeleteA sobering post Kay. Let's hope they will come out with something else in the not too distant future that isn't quite as foreboding.
ReplyDeleteHow about lying around, instead?
ReplyDeleteI worked for many years as a newspaper compositor specializing in typesetting. I ended up on long-term disability, and the company's doctor said my job caused my problem. He didn't specifically say sitting, but from then on, people setting type were given five minutes off every hour, to get up and move around.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything like AA will work for people whose jobs require them to sit for long periods, but something similar might work for computer addiction.
-- K
You made me chuckle. By staying on our feet and being active, we will live longer and hurt more? I guess, just like most things, we'll take this advice with a grain of salt.
ReplyDeleteOoops. salt is bad too.
Yeah, maybe if all you do is watch soaps but most of what I do is research and writing -- both online and on my book. And studies show that people who exercise their minds live longer.
ReplyDeleteThat said, yeah I need to get out and walk more but in Ohio in the winter, that's not practical with my handicap.
I may live a long time because I am not very good at sitting still for very long. I'm sure I'm doing something else that will get me though.
ReplyDeleteOh! So that's why my back, neck and shoulders ache (as if I didn't know). The trouble is, I can't stand/walk for longer than ten minutes either. So that leaves...lying in bed. So it's not all bad!
ReplyDeleteI hope the tropical storm flying about at the moment misses you completely.
I didn't know these statistics, but I heard about "sedentary diseases" a long time ago. When it was too painful to sit any longer, I quit my sitting job in 1993 and never went back to a sitting job since. Now the hours of blogging may do me in.
ReplyDeleteBut Kay, your little pains from doing a good painting job should be somehow satisfying.
Hey, what's with that rainbow?? Did someone/Someone sit on it?
I better get my behind moving! :)
ReplyDelete37% scares me. I'm getting right up and moving about. WOW!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow! Maybe you should lie down while you work on it LOL
ReplyDeleteI believe it, however. For several years I was a receptionist or secretary before I found library work. When I worked at the library -- standing at the front desk, walking and stretching to get books, lifting boxes and pushing bins -- I felt great. I was happy, cheerful, enjoyed my work and was a healthy weight. I'd love to get that back.
Meanwhile... I'm with Peggy. Better get up!
Geesh...I didn't know this...good to know Kay...
ReplyDelete