The Anatomy of Standing Disease

A recent survey conducted by Gallup poll shows that a full-time employed adult typically works an average of 47 hours per week, which is longer than the standard and recommended eight hours per day for five days. In fact, 50 percent of all full-time workers say they typically work more than 40 hours, and nearly four in 10 say they work at least 50 hours.

This probably means that the sedentary lifestyle is getting worst; an additional hour or more of sitting increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and decreases the employee's productivity. A study on sedentary behaviors and cardiovascular diseases identified the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. Recently these health hazards are called the “sitting disease”, a term coined by scientists.

To determine whether or not you suffer from this new disease, check if you have one of the following symptoms.

HEART DISEASE

The moment you sit, blood starts flowing slowly allowing fatty acids to easily clog the heart. Calorie burning drops by 1 per minute and enzymes that help break down fats drop by 20%. After 2 hours of sitting, good cholesterol drops by at least 20%. Moreover, studies have linked extended sitting to high blood pressure and heightened cholesterol. People leading a sedentary lifestyle will have twice the probability of acquiring a cardiovascular disease.

OVERACTIVE PANCREAS

The pancreas produces insulin that carries glucose for the cells that later gets transformed into energy. It plays an important role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cell. It aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar. After just a day of extended sitting, the idle muscles will slowly response to insulin, prompting the pancreas to release more insulin leading to diabetes.

COLON CANCER

According to research, extended sitting often leads to a greater risk for colon cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial concerns. It could be an excess in insulin produced by the pancreas that could encourage cell growth. Employees should include movement while working. A simple sit, stand and stretch working routine every half an hour can be a lifesaver. A change in office ergonomics as well as using standing desk converters will ensure movement and lessen sitting while working.

MUSCLE ATROPHY

Muscle atrophy is the decrease in the mass of the muscles or when muscles waste away. It is commonly caused by restricted movement and the lack of physical activity including prolonged sitting and even extended standing. Studies have found that decreased hip mobility is the main reason elderly people tend to fall.

MURKY BRAIN

Moving muscles pump fresh blood and oxygen through the brain and trigger the release of all brain and mood enhancing chemicals. When we are having a sedentary lifestyle for a long time, everything slows down, including brain function. When working, take a break every half an hour to one. When using a standing desk converter, adjust your table to your height and task on hand.

STRAINED NECK

The most common condition that contributes to neck pain is forward head and shoulder posture. Forward head posture is when the neck slants forward placing the head in front of the shoulders.

This posture can lead to degenerative disc disease. "Sit up straight and stand up straight" is frequently mentioned by our teachers and parents, and we will surely benefit from the practice of proper posture. Moreover, sitting for long periods of time causes the legs to have slower blood circulation. This could lead to health problems from swollen ankles and varicose veins to dangerous blood clots called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Scientist partially accredits the recent wave in cases of osteoporosis to lack of activity.