Excessive sitting is linked to many negative health issues. Now there’s a new one to add to the list – erectile dysfunction. A recent study showed that men with type 2 diabetes who sat for more than 9 hours each day increased their risk of severe erectile dysfunction (ED). No one wants problems in the bedroom, so this news is worth knowing. But even if you are female or don’t have type 2 diabetes, standing more throughout your day is a good idea. Here’s why:
- Excessive Sitting Harms Everyone
"We are hunters and gatherers. We were meant to move,” says Doctor of Physical Therapy, Yoav Suprun, owner of SoBe Spine in Miami Beach. “In today's world it is now recognized that sitting is the new smoking; it is problematic for both men and women.” Suprun spends a great deal of time working with individuals who suffer from injuries that come from sitting for too long. According to Suprun,” Prolonged sitting causes excessive stress on multiple systems in the body. Poor sitting posture has also been linked to neck and back pain.” And that’s not all…
- Men and Women
According to the American Heart Association, the risk of serious heart issues increases when people sit for too long throughout the day. Excessive sitting, for example, prompts greater hardening of the arteries in the heart. To help lower this risk, reduce the amount of sitting you do by at least 1 to 2 hours each day.
- Even If You’re Active, You’re Still at Risk
Many people assume they can undo any damage sitting does to their bodies by heading to the gym or by going out for a run. Unfortunately, being active doesn’t erase the negative effects of over sitting. That piece of information was a revelation for me. I always assumed that my inactivity at work meant nothing because I worked out on the elliptical later in the day. Not true. Everyone needs to sit less and stand more.
- The Stand More Challenge
Standing more seems like a no brainer, but it’s not. A few weeks ago, I purchased a flexible computer desktop - one that goes up and down as desired. I thought I would feel wonderful and energized, but that didn’t happen. After standing for a while, my legs became shaky and I started to feel on edge. The transition wasn’t happening smoothly for me. When I asked Dr. Suprun about this, he recognized the complaint immediately and offered helpful advice. He suggested that I switch my variable desk from a sitting to a standing position about every 30 minutes. That worked for me and will, hopefully, work for you.
If you don’t plan to purchase a flexible computer stand, take frequent walking breaks around the office. Pace while you talk on the phone. Skip the conference room and schedule walking meetings. And try to work while using a treadmill. As you consider your New Year’s Resolutions, definitely add “stand more” to your list. It’s one of those positive health changes that you won’t regret. And yes, I am standing while I write this!