Did you know that the average person spends over nine hours a day sitting? This is referred to as the sitting epidemic. And, unfortunately,
Champion Forest is not immune.
In fact, many of us sit all day long without even realizing it. Whether we're at our desk job or watching TV, there's a good chance we're spending too much time in our seats.
But how does this affect our health?Turns out, it's not good.
Sitting for extended periods of time has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and even cancer. So how can we break the habit and start moving more? And how does a Champion Forest chiropractor help in dealing with the impacts of sitting too much?
Let’s first talk about the reasons why we sit a lot!
Why Are We Spending So Much Time Sitting Down?
The sitting epidemic is a real and growing problem in today's society. In fact, according to a recent study, American adults now spend an average of 9.5 hours per day sitting, which is up from 6.5 hours just 20 years ago!
This spike in sedentary behavior is having serious consequences on our health, as prolonged sitting has been linked to everything from obesity and type 2 diabetes to heart disease and cancer.
Workplaces Require It!
We can see here a few reasons why people are spending so much time sitting down. For one, many workplaces have shifted from a manual labor-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, and as such, there is now more emphasis on having employees seated at desks in front of computers.
Convenience of Technology
In addition, with the advent of cars and televisions, people now have more opportunities than ever before to sit down for extended periods of time. Lastly, the convenience of technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected while sitting down, as people can now text, email and even work from their couches.
All these factors have combined to create an environment where our modern lifestyles are increasingly sedentary, making it harder for us to be active and maintain a healthy weight. Good thing there are some easy and simple measures we can all take to reduce our time spent in a sedentary position and become healthier and more active! So let's get moving!
Fighting the Sitting Epidemic
Sitting for prolonged periods of time has been linked to a number of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. In fact, studies have shown that sitting for more than six hours a day increases your risk of death by up to 40 percent!
So what can we do about the sitting epidemic?
Discipline—Take Regular Breaks Away from Your Desk or Screen
The most important thing is to make an effort to break up long periods of sitting time with regular breaks that get us moving. For example, instead of sitting at your desk all day, try to stand up and move around for a few minutes every hour. And when you're watching TV, make sure to get up and move around during the commercials.
Chiropractic Care
In addition, regular chiropractic care can help to offset the impacts of sitting too much. Chiropractic adjustments help to improve the alignment of your body, which can reduce stress on your muscles and joints. This, in turn, can help to prevent many of the health problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Chiropractic care can help deal with the sitting epidemic by realigning the spine and helping to improve posture. Sitting for long periods
Regular chiropractic adjustments can also help reduce back and neck pain that is often associated with sitting for extended periods of time. Chiropractors are trained to identify areas of misalignment in the spine, which can be corrected through manipulation. This helps alleviate pressure on nerves, joints and muscles, reducing pain and improving overall function.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to chiropractic care, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help combat the sitting epidemic. Taking regular breaks throughout the day to stand up and stretch will give your body much-needed relief from long periods of sitting. It is also important to make sure you have an ergonomic setup so as not to cause strain on your back or neck when sitting for long periods of time. Finally, engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, running or playing sports can help keep your body healthy and active.
So if you're looking for ways to break free from the sitting epidemic and improve your overall health, talk to our Champion Forest chiropractor today!
