Overcoming a sedentary lifestyle
Vanessa Rivers
Overcoming a sedentary lifestyle
Sports; a cure to consider
If prescription sport were commonplace, there would likely be fewer health problems, fewer chances of developing chronic diseases, and a lower mortality rate related to them. In an era where screens have replaced sport, overcoming sedentary lifestyle is slowly becoming a priority for health professionals. Fighting bad habits begins with a change of mentality and an active promotion of the benefits of daily physical activity on life expectancy. Nowadays, it is necessary to encourage people to achieve and maintain a regular fitness routine. Recent studies have even shown that a sedentary lifestyle would be worse than smoking cigarettes every day and that just sitting more than three hours a day is already responsible for 3.8% of all-cause deaths. This scourge is very present in our society, but by chance, it is quite simple to remedy it ... One step at a time!
Risks related to a sedentary lifestyle
• Vessels
Blood circulation weakened. Risks of varicose veins and clots.
• Muscles
Atrophy of muscle mass and loss of resistance to effort.
• Brain
Bad oxygenation. Decreased neuronal activity and hormonal production which generates stress, anxiety and impaired cognitive function.
• Heart
Heart failure. It receives and sends less blood into the body, provides less oxygen to the muscles and organs.
• Joints
Exposure to musculoskeletal disorders and osteoarthritis.
• Pancreas
Increased risk of diabetes, loss of effectiveness of insulin produced.
How to overcome a sedentary lifestyle?
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator
• Move every two hours when working seated
• Move as much as possible on foot or by bike
• Leave your car at home as often as possible
• Get off a bus stop earlier and walk the rest of the way
• Walk the dog longer than usual
• Take a lunchtime walk
• Do work around the house that is a good energy expenditure
• Get a pedometer (10,000 steps per day = 30 minutes walk)
• Discover a sport that motivates you
An adult person should spend an average of thirty minutes a day practicing a physical activity.
And ... the kids in all this?
The rate of childhood obesity is a growing problem. It is important to encourage children to swap iPads or video games for sports activities or activities that allow them to spend energy. Although time is often lacking in a hectic lifestyle such as ours, having fun with children outdoors can be beneficial for you as much as for them. Simple actions can help you and your children stay active on a daily basis.
The benefits of the remedy
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Reduces the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases
• Improved mood
• Helps maintain good mental health
• Reduced stress
• Promotes the maintenance of muscle strength
• Provides the energy needed to perform daily tasks
It's never too late to start moving. Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference to your health. Overcoming a sedentary lifestyle begins gradually and every little action counts.