Too much sitting has been linked to a greater risk of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of standing and moving more to improve one’s health, regardless of age or ability.
In a recent clinical trial, researchers found that reducing sitting time by about 30 minutes daily can lead to better blood pressure measurements, which can ultimately reduce health risks. Rosenberg’s research has provided tips on how to spend more time standing and moving throughout the day.
Some tips include standing during activities when you usually sit, changing TV habits by incorporating standing or movement during commercial breaks, and incorporating small bits of standing and walking throughout the day. This can be done by taking a walk after each meal, parking farther away when running errands, or simply taking a break to dance to one song. By making small changes to incorporate more movement throughout the day, individuals can reduce the negative health impacts of prolonged sitting.