It is good to get your butt out of that chair

Due to the nature of our jobs, we often find ourselves glued to the desk from dusk to dawn. Besides gaining weight, you reduce your life expectancy due to different lifestyle diseases such as diabetes writes, Beatrice Nakibuuka.

Scientists first noticed something was not right in a study that compared two similar groups: transit drivers, who sit most of the day, and conductors or guards, who do not. Though their diets and lifestyles were a lot alike, those that sat were about twice as likely to get heart disease as those that stood. It was then revealed, according, to Dr Nobert Bwana, a physiotherapist at Physique Centre in Kamwokya that sitting for long hours affects several parts of the body.

Decline in mental ability
Dr Bwana says a sedentary lifestyle has very bad effects on the brain and most of your body functions. “If you sit too much, your brain could look just like that of someone with dementia. Sitting also raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Moving throughout the day can help even more than exercise to lower your risk of all these health problems.”

Clotting in the legs
Sitting for too long can make blood pool in your legs, which adds pressure to your veins. They can swell, twist, or bulge causing varicose veins. One may also develop a clot that forms in your leg. The clot may be painful and swollen but there may not be any symptoms for some people.
It can be fatal if the clot breaks free and lodges in your lung. That is why it is a good idea to break up long sitting sessions.

Wrecks your back
Dr Bwana says, “Sitting in one position puts huge stress on your back muscles, neck, and spine. Slouching is even worse. Find a chair that will be the right height and give support to your back in the proper spots. Even with a comfortable chair, try to move around for a minute or two every half hour to keep your spine in line.”

Failure to lose weight
If you have tried to lose weight but you are not shedding off any kilos, it could be because you are sitting for a long time. Older adults who are not active may be more likely to get osteoporosis (weakened bones) and could slowly become unable to perform basic tasks of everyday life, like taking a bath or using the toilet.

Increased cancer risk
“The longer you sit the higher the odds of you getting colon, endometrial, or lung cancer, says Dr Bwana. Sitting for longer hours also exposes older women to the risk of breast cancer.

Prevention
Exercise will help keep at bay most of these effects. It is important therefore that you get a personal instructor to help you identify the type of exercises that would be helpful to you.It is recommended that while you work, stand up and stretch every half hour or so. Touch your toes; take a stroll around the office.