Sitting is the New Smoking

If you haven't heard it already, here it is: Sitting is the new smoking! The amount of time we spend sitting has increased drastically over the years. The majority of us sit in the car on the way to work, sit at a desk all day at the office, sit on the way home from work, sit for dinner, and sit in front of the t.v. for an hour or more before bed. Sitting affects our posture, and it can lead to neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain and headaches, but it can also cause other serious health conditions. Sitting and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to cardiovascular disease, depression, obesity, digestive issues, and degenerative brain diseases like dementia.

Our bodies were made to move! I'm not saying you have to become a marathon runner, but activity is a must. Taking multiple short, "micro-breaks" throughout the day adds up. These micro-breaks give our body a chance to move. Movement increases blood flow, energy, and makes us feel good! (Hint: this is why you feel better after an adjustment. Adjustment = spine movement = feel better). Check out the info-graphic from WebExercises for some simple exercises that can be done right at your desk. Set a reminder on your phone to take a short 1-2 minute break to do these exercises every 30 minutes. Add in a couples laps around the office every other break. Movement is medicine!



Let me repeat that, movement is medicine. While 30-60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a day is great, moving and shorter periods of physical activity throughout the day is just as important. Take a 10 minute walk outside during lunch, play outside with your kids, walk your dog (or pig--no joke, I saw a guy walking his pet pig in the Plaza), take the steps instead of the elevator, don't take the closest parking spot, ride your bike instead of driving, take a class at the gym. Whatever you like to do, do it. If you don't know, try something new. Many of the local gyms like EverFit, 9Round, YogaFit, and Genesis allow you to try a class for FREE!

For more exercises that are easy to do and help curb the effects of sitting, check out the Back to BasicsWhy You Need to Foam Roll Now, and Mouse Trap blog posts.

If you live in Shawnee or the Kansas City area and are experiencing discomfort from sitting too much, schedule a complimentary consultation today or call 913-268-8300 and learn how the doctors at Swickard Chiropractic Clinic of Shawnee can help you!

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