A New Health Warning Label For Chairs?
by Dr. Amit Patel DC
Read A New Health Warning Label For Chairs? by Dr. Amit Patel DC to learn more about Ipswich Spine Clinic and our practice in Ipswich, Suffolk.
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How would we know what we want without being told, sung to, danced, designed, and trailered? But, on the flip side, how far has society gone in adding warning labels to everything? Now it’s chairs—due to poor health conditions that can be attributed to habitual sitters (just like smokers). What’s next—vegetables?
The Next New Label
Years ago, we attributed the most unhealthy people to those who had careers requiring long hours of auto or truck travel. The hours, weeks, months, and years spent in this career, in a normally unhealthy position, were one of the largest contributors to poor health—rather than just the first thought of impact or accident.
As the computer age dawned and the virtual digital age became the ruler of careers—and now for many, even virtual lives and social connections—our time sitting has more than tripled. So have our health problems. These range from neck pain, back pain, headaches, and sciatica to the onset of disease processes including obesity.
Although one solution may be to dust off your Wii Fit, the more realistic solution is to heed the warning that prolonged sitting has detrimental effects on our health and to take responsibility for our actions—rather than banning the chair.
Medical Studies
In a study performed at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, physiologist Marc Hamilton discovered that when he prevented lab mice from standing up, an enzyme that burns fat gets turned off—which can lead to weight gain.
“This enzyme is virtually shut off within hours of not standing, completely independent of diet, completely independent of weight changes.”
Hamilton further stated, “Sitting has become the most common human behavior; literally, it outstrips the amount of time we spend sleeping.” He drew a parallel between sitting and a new form of smoking—once so common, acceptable, and advertised that people were reluctant to see the health hazard it posed. The two share a dangerous similarity: both are silent and take years to develop into serious disease processes.
Adding to this, another study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that sitting for more than six hours a day can make someone at least 18 percent more likely to die from diabetes, heart disease, and obesity compared to those who sit less than three hours a day.
Accountability Tips
At our practice, we see firsthand how human behaviors shape society. The evolution of technology has changed the way we use our bodies. Humans moved from the active life of hunter-gatherers to agriculturalists. The Industrial Revolution placed us in factories, and the technological revolution landed us behind desks. Now, we live in a culture of sitting too much and leading sedentary lifestyles—already contributing to sickness, pain, and dis-ease.
Poor posture and the sitting pandemic are serious and will have predictably devastating effects on your health and the health of the next generation—unless we change our behaviors. Computers and technology are here to stay, so ergonomics and accountability for our actions will be crucial to regaining our health and freedom.
Here are three simple posture tips you can begin today:
- Get a standing desk so you can do your work standing.
- Take regular breaks. Get up every 30–60 minutes to stretch for 30–60 seconds.
- Do not sit down on the sofa after your evening meal. Stand and stretch for 10 minutes. Bonus! It will also stimulate your metabolism.
Ready to Help!
Is your future health worth a few minutes and a few minor changes in your behaviors? Absolutely! If you are ready to improve your flexibility, stop degenerative changes, arthritis, and many other conditions—and increase your energy—call our office today. Our practice staff is ready to help you stand up against today’s lifestyle health challenges.
Let’s Not Take This Sitting Down!
For Your Health,
Dr. Amit Patel DC
Ipswich Spine Clinic
Neale Chambers, 6-8 Neale Street,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3JB
Phone: 01473 232 002
