Do you sit all day or during a good portion of your day? If you do, you are really going to want to read every word of this article. It may be a matter of life and death. Literally. Here is why…

According to cancer.org: “A new study from the American Cancer Society researchers [found] it’s not just how much physical activity you get, but how much time you spend sitting that can affect your risk of death. Researchers say time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level. They conclude that public health messages should promote both being physically active and reducing time spent sitting.”

This is important because this study suggests it is not only about the physical activity you do, it is also about the time you spend sitting. Going to the gym or for a run at night does not seem to make up for sitting all day at work. According to the study, the researchers “found that more leisure time spent sitting was associated with higher risks of mortality, particularly in women. Women who reported more than six hours per day of sitting were 37 percent more likely to die during the time period studied than those who sat fewer than 3 hours a day. Men who sat more than 6 hours a day were 18 percent more likely to die than those who sat fewer than 3 hours per day.

The association remained virtually unchanged after adjusting for physical activity level. Associations were stronger for cardiovascular disease mortality than for cancer mortality. When combined with a lack of physical activity, the association was even stronger. Women and men who both sat more and were less physically active were 94% and 48% more likely, respectively, to die compared with those who reported sitting the least and being most active.” If the results of this study are accurate, people should not only get the proper amounts of exercise, but they should decrease the hours a day they spend sitting.

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal and maintain the pain free body you deserve. This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral.

 

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