Many American workers have jobs that keep them sitting throughout much of the day. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to several serious health conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and dementia. Being sedentary for long stretches of time every day can increase your risk of premature death from any cause. Sitting for too long can also put stress on your back and neck, even if you have an ergonomic chair.
Move Frequently While You’re at Work
If you have a job that keeps you behind a desk or behind the wheel for the bulk of the day, it’s important to incorporate physical activity into your day whenever you can. That can help you burn calories, lose weight, and reduce your risk of developing serious medical problems. Being active can also give you more energy, make it easier to manage stress, and help you focus on your tasks and be more productive.
Even if you exercise when you’re not at the office, it may not be enough to counteract the effects of sitting for long periods of time at work. Being in a sedentary position for most of the day can still put you at a higher risk of developing health problems. Moving throughout the day is therefore critical to protect your health.
Look for Simple Ways to Include Physical Activity in Your Workday
One strategy is to take a quick walk around the office for a few minutes every half hour. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can stretch and do some squats, jumping jacks, or other exercises near your desk.
You can take the stairs instead of riding in an elevator, stand while talking on the phone, and walk to a coworker’s desk to have a conversation, rather than send an email. If you need to discuss something with your boss or colleague, consider taking a walk together, rather than sitting in an office or conference room.
If it’s in the company’s budget, you can switch to a standing desk. Being on your feet throughout the day may significantly improve your overall health.
Make Sure That Your Employees Have Access to Essential First Aid Supplies
Sitting at work can contribute to a number of serious health problems, and an employee can experience a medical event, such as a heart attack, while on the job. It’s essential to provide supplies that workers can use to deal with an emergency. 1st Aid Supplies sells CPR barriers, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and other products that should be included in your company’s first aid kits. Stock up on supplies today.
