Office workers ‘too sedentary’

‘On Your Feet Britain says sitting for long periods at work is linked to a host of health problems, which are not undone by working out in the gym.

It is calling on people to stand regularly, walk around more and embrace ideas such as standing meetings or standing desks.

Experts described inactivity as “one of the biggest” challenges in health.

Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers and poor mental health have all been linked to sedentary behaviour.

The effect is found even in people who class themselves as fit, such as those who cycle to work, if they also spend long periods of time sitting.’

sittingThe full article on BBC News by James Gallagher can be seen here – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32069698

 

 

 

 

 

‘Lisa Young, project manager for the BHF’s Health at Work programme, said: “We’re all guilty of being too glued to our screens sometimes, but these results show just how far the couch potato culture has infiltrated the workplace.

“Too many of us are tied to our desks at work, which could be increasing our risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

“That’s why we want workers to get up and get moving on 24 April and take a stand against cardiovascular disease. ‘

Do you take breaks away from your desk? Some innovative ideas for addressing this issue include:

  • Stand up when you are on the phone or in meetings
  • Take the stairs rather than the lift
  • Eat lunch away from your desk
  • Take a break from your computer every 30 minutes
  • Walk to a colleagues desk rather than phoning or emailing them

oyf-web

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both the Get Britain Standing website – http://www.getbritainstanding.org/ and British Heart Foundation websites https://www.bhf.org.uk/ have ore ideas and helpful advice.

 

bhf-logoTake a stand against heart disease on 24 April 2015