Latest news with #sitting
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This compact walking pad is great for getting your steps in while you work — and it's 56% off on Amazon Canada
By now, you've probably heard that sitting for too long is bad for your health. Studies have shown that spending large amounts of time in a car, at a desk or in front of a TV can increase blood pressure, blood sugar, body fat around the waist and cholesterol levels and potentially lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health lifestyle changes like using a standing desk and walking when you're on the phone or watching TV can contribute to better health outcomes. That's where a walking pad like the Sperax 3-in-1 Folding Treadmill from Amazon Canada can help. It's ideal for introducing a bit of movement into a long workday or getting in some steps when the weather's cold, rainy or otherwise unpleasant — even if your home or office is tight on space. Right now, you can get this walking pad for more than half off. Interested? Discover why more than 900 Amazon shoppers have bought this folding treadmill in the past month. Sperax Folding Treadmill This 'sleek' walking pad is a "great little machine" and has hundreds of five-star reviews. The details Although it's primarily designed for walking, this compact treadmill can be used at speeds from 0.6 to 6.2 mph. It has three modes: working mode (0.6 to 1.5 mph), where you place the treadmill beneath a standing desk; regular walking pad mode (1.5 to 2.5 mph); and running mode with a pop-up armrest bar (2.5 to 6.2 mph). The pad comes fully assembled. To use the armrest and phone holder, simply twist the T-shaped brackets to release the bar. When the armrest is up, use its console for adjustments. When it's down, there's a remote control for easy operation. At all times, the digital display is at your feet so you can monitor your speed, distance, time and calories. The running belt has a shock-absorbing design to reduce wear on your joints, while the diamond pattern provides grip. Compact enough to use in a small apartment or condo, the machine is only 16.51 centimetres (6.5 inches) tall, making it low enough to be rolled under a bed or couch. It weighs in at 23 kilograms (50.7 pounds) and measures 137.16 centimetres long and 68.58 centimetres wide (54 x 27 inches). The maximum weight capacity is 154 kilograms (340 pounds). It requires a nearby power outlet. What shoppers are saying ⭐️ 4.1/5 stars 💬 2,600+ reviews 🔎 'Quiet yet powerful.' 'This treadmill has been a lifesaver,' says one Amazon customer, who lost six pounds after using it for 20 minutes every day for two weeks. It's a 'great alternative' to heavy treadmills that require plenty of space in a room because it's super 'sleek' and 'easy to move.' Shoppers love that it fits under a sofa or bed when it's not in use. Despite its petite size, the pad works for taller people (one 6'2 reviewer said the stride length was perfect), and you'll have 'no issues' with getting too close to the end of the belt or kicking the front panel. It also has a higher weight limit 'than all the comparable treadmills.' Sperax Folding Treadmill Still, most people wouldn't go faster than a 'light jog.' Why? Because it's 'a little narrower and shorter' than a standard treadmill. Reviewers agree that it has an 'easy setup' and comes 'well packed with clear instructions.' It also has 'nice controls and display.' Some users wish the power cord was longer 'to give more flexibility.' It would also 'be nice to have a pause button,' so you could keep your stats during a quick phone or bathroom break. For anyone dealing with an injury or balance issue, 'the hand bar provides needed support.' The belt also 'glides firmly and smoothly, no sliding or slipping.' The verdict Amazon shoppers are in almost complete agreement that the Sperax 3-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a worthwhile buy if you're tight on space and want to increase your daily step count during work hours or TV binges — especially at 56 per cent off. However, if you're looking for a treadmill for running, you'll have to size up.
News24
14-07-2025
- Health
- News24
How your job is silently affecting your physical and mental health
Whether you're a desk jockey, someone who spends your working day on your feet or a full-time mom, your job can take a toll on your body. Here are the tweaks you can make to stay healthy. The problem: Sitting down all day Hours spent sitting down can cause lower back pain, postural issues, and stiffness. Prolonged sitting has also been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which is scary when you consider that people in office-based environments spend 77 percent of their working day seated. 'Movement is like a nutrient for our nervous system and when we're immobile for too long, it has a range of negative effects, such as numbness, varicose veins, and arthritic degeneration of the spine,' says Dr Tony Croke from Liberty Chiropractic. And while we may skip lunch or tea breaks to meet a deadline, doing so continually fatigues both brain and body, adds Colleen Rowe, an occupational therapist at Workable Living in Queensland. 'Fatigue has a cumulative effect. When you keep pushing through it, you end up not working efficiently at all.' The solution A few small changes to your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift whenever possible, standing up when you're on the phone, and walking over to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an email, can counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. 'Most studies suggest we're not good at concentrating for more than an hour, and from a muscular and cognitive point of view, you'll work much more efficiently with short breaks,' says Colleen. 'Setting alarms on the computer can be useful for some people. Others put a red dot on their phone as a reminder. Do whatever it takes to remind you,' she adds. 'Make sure you're also active off-duty,' says Dr Tony. 'I recommend a wide variety of exercise when you're not at work, rather than specialising in just one sport.' The problem: Too long on your feet According to experts, standing is infinitely better for your longevity than sitting in a chair all day. Yet, anyone on their feet all day knows how debilitating it can be, especially in the long term. 'Standing for a long time without moving means that our circulation doesn't have the help of muscle contractions to move the blood around, which leads to greater pressure in the blood vessels,' says Dr Tony. 'This can damage some valves in those veins, leading to unsightly and often painful varicose veins.' The solution 'Towering high heels aren't a great idea as they place loads of strain on the forefoot, change the mechanics of the lower back, and shorten the calf muscles. Stick to heels that are less than 5cm high,' advises Dr Tony. 'Changing your position, taking sitting breaks when you can, and moving around as much as possible is also helpful. Stand with one foot in front of the other and shift your weight from one side to the other often. Compression stockings can help but talk to your GP to see if they're right for you.' A short stroll can also help by reducing muscle soreness and increasing circulation. The problem: Too much typing According to a study carried out by Microsoft, those of us in office jobs use the keyboard and mouse about six hours a day – yet more than 20 hours a week typing at a computer can raise your risk of wrist, arm, or hand injuries such as repetitive strain injury (RSI). 'Our bodies are designed to do a variety of tasks, not the same task over and over,' says Dr Tony. It's not enough to simply tell people what to do, says Colleen. She believes that it's also about giving people an understanding of how the body works and what keeps its structures healthy. The solution 'As a rule, your computer screen should be an arm's length away,' says Colleen. 'The top of the screen should be level with your eyes. You want to be looking slightly down at it. Your chair height should enable your wrists to be slightly below your elbows and get a footrest if your feet cannot reach the floor.' Yoga can help by counterbalancing bad posture habits, says Nicola Ellis, a yoga teacher from Sydney-based Adore Yoga. 'By stretching the muscles that are stressed or shortened through these repetitive tasks, it relieves the pain and teaches the body new postural habits to prevent recurring problems.' If you develop a repetitive strain injury, stop overloading that part of your body, says Dr Tony. 'That means not doing the tasks that caused the injury for a while or doing them a lot less. Bodies take time to heal. There's no way around that. Anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects and because they mask the symptoms, they encourage us to do work our healing body isn't ready for.' The problem: Caring for kids As a mom, you're always on the go. With little children, it may mean that you're lifting and carrying them all day, collapsing strollers, and carrying heavy shopping bags, all of which can wreak havoc on your body, says Dr Tony. 'Neck pain, back pain, and shoulder problems are all very common [for moms caring for kids].' The solution Motherhood and all the lifting and bending that comes with it is like doing any other kind of manual work. You have to maintain a good static and moving posture, says Colleen. 'You need to keep your spine straight and not twist it. Your arms and legs need to be doing the movement, not your back. And don't twist your spine – instead, you want to face a task with your feet. Carrying any weight is best done close to your body. Those harnesses that hold a baby against your tummy are great. Even better is to get hubby to wear it and give yourself a rest!' The problem: job-related stress or burnout Deadlines, commuting, and micromanagers are just some of the things that can contribute to our stress levels. 'Switching off is tough,' says psychologist Jacqui Manning from Darling Street Health Centre in Sydney's Balmain. 'Work plays an enormous part in the epidemics of stress, anxiety, and depression because many workplaces are not set up as sustaining environments, but rather they leave you with the feeling of being 'sucked dry',' she explains. 'Some signs that you're suffering from chronic stress include physical, emotional or mental exhaustion, sleeplessness, headaches, stomach upsets, muscular tension, being quick to 'burst' into anger or tears or being more prone to colds and flu.' The solution If you're feeling anxious or tense, practise taking deep breaths, counting in for four seconds and out for six seconds, advises Jacqui. 'And learn walking meditation, which means focusing on what you're doing at the time. So, if you're having a cup of tea, focus on the feel of the cup, the sensation of the tea being swallowed, and the warmth of your hands. Just a few minutes' respite from your day can work wonders.' Jacqui is also an advocate of tapping or psychological acupuncture. 'It works quickly to ease stress and anxiety simply by tapping certain acupressure points on the face and body.' If you're really burnt out, says Dr Tony, take a holiday. 'Getting away from work is good for our minds and helps rejuvenate our bodies, too. If you're one of those people who has 936 days of holiday owing, it's time to get out of the office for a month.'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Surprising Health Benefits Of Lying On The Floor As You Get Older
It's well established that Americans spend too much time sitting, and that really isn't any one person's fault; society makes it hard not to. Many people work desk jobs where they sit for eight-plus hours each day, lots of folks commute in cars or trains for hours each week and most people live in areas that require them to sit down and drive from point A to point B instead of walking. Unfortunately, sitting in one position too much can tighten up our joints and weaken our mobility. One way to combat the negative effects of sitting, though, is by getting into different positions, including lying (and sitting) on the floor. Increasing flexibility and mobility by lying or sitting on the floor — or, moving around in general — can help you avoid joint pain, said Jennifer Kostik-Johnson, a physical therapist at West Virginia University Health System. There are also other benefits to getting yourself down to the ground from time to time (as long as you safely can). Here's what to know: 'Our hip flexors get tight when we sit,' said Rachel Prusynski, a physical therapist and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. And you probably spend most of the day sitting down, whether at work, on the couch or in the car. 'Lying on your floor on your stomach is kind of the opposite of that,' she added. 'It stretches out those hip flexors. It gets our low back and our hips into extension, and it's just something that we don't otherwise do if we're not lying on the ground or lying on our stomach,' Prusynski said. According to Prusynski, getting up and down off the ground is a great way to test your mobility as it uses nearly every joint in the body. It requires ankle movement, hip movement, hip strength and more, in addition to the ability to lift your body against gravity, she said. Since it works so much of your body, if you do find getting down to the floor and up to the floor a challenge, Prusynski said you should see a physical therapist who can watch your movement to see what's holding you back. 'Getting up from the floor [is] very important if we're older and take a fall,' said Kostik-Johnson. If you know how to properly get up and get down to the floor, you'll be more likely to be able to get yourself up if you do take a tumble. While physical therapists work on fall recovery and fall prevention, it is true that falls do still happen, which makes this posture an important one to practice, added Prusynski. Lying on the floor has clear benefits for your mobility and health, but it isn't the be-all, end-all position. While it can be a great movement to add to your daily routine, it shouldn't be the only one. 'Physical activity needs variety,' said Prusynski. This is how we prevent injury and stay mobile through life. And the same goes for posture; you shouldn't spend all day lying on the ground, sitting in a chair, standing up or doing any one posture. While these movements aren't bad to do on their own, they shouldn't be the only posture you find yourself in. ' 'There is no bad posture. The best posture is the next posture,' said Prusynski. Meaning, make sure you move around throughout the day and go from sitting to working at a standing desk to lying on your stomach and beyond. Being sedentary is a bigger problem than any not-so-great posture, she noted, and you can develop pains like back pain from staying still too much. 'Changing positions throughout the day is so helpful,' Prusynski added. If there are certain positions you can't get into safely, that's OK. Do what works for you. 'Some of our older folks probably can't get down on the floor safely and get back up, so really, what they need to concentrate in general on is just general mobility,' said Kostik-Johnson. We spend hours and hours sitting every day and that locks up your pelvis and hips and leads to overall stiffness, Kostik-Johnson added. 'And we always sit with back support, typically, or lean back in our recliner, and that doesn't help with our core strength. That actually helps weaken our core,' Kostik-Johnson said. Moving around as much as you can helps combat this by working your mobility and strength. If you have a history of falls, mobility issues or haven't gotten down to the floor (or up from the floor) in some time, you should work with a physical therapist to get to this lying-on-the-ground posture safely, said Prusynski. You should also talk to a physical therapist before diving in if you have arthritic knees or circulatory problems in your legs, added Kostik-Johnson. Moreover, if you just haven't laid down on the ground in some time, you should practice it with someone nearby so they can help you up if you need it. Or, make sure you have a couch or chair close by that you can grab on to for support, said Kostik-Johnson. You should also get up from the ground and down to the ground slowly to avoid lightheadedness or injury, Prusynski added. As long as you're able to lie on the ground safely, it should be a goal posture to get into and out of as we age, Prusynski noted. If you're able, consider this reason enough to lie down on the ground during your next call — your mobility will thank you. Is Putting Your Legs Up On The Wall As Beneficial As Everyone Says? Sitting Like This Can Bring Major Health Benefits As You Age Should We All Be Squatting More?
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 Habit to Avoid for Better Heart Health, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNBetween desk jobs, long commutes and TV time, many of us spend hours sitting every day. However, this habit may silently be raising our risk of heart disease. Fortunately, there are easy strategies to help break the habit, no workout disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. adults. While some heart disease risk factors like family history, sex and age are out of your control, others can be managed with a healthy diet and lifestyle. On the flip side, there are some habits we should avoid, say heart-health experts. And the biggest one is sitting too much. Between desk jobs and catching up on our favorite TV shows, it's all too easy to spend most of our day sitting. In fact, roughly 1 in 4 American adults spend more than eight hours sitting every day. So, we asked the experts to share why too much time sitting is so problematic for heart health and what you can do about it. Here's what they told us. Your heart works hard all day long to pump blood throughout your body. However, it doesn't do this job alone. Muscle contractions are also important for good circulation. 'Long periods of sitting slow circulation, which can increase blood pressure and lead to blood pooling in the legs,' says cardiovascular nutrition specialist Veronica Rouse, M.A.N., RD, CDE. When resting muscles aren't helping circulate your blood, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Over time, this may increase your risk of heart disease. That may be one of the reasons why research has found that people with sedentary jobs may be 34% more likely to die from heart disease than people who spend their workdays upright, says Rouse. Being inactive is linked with weight gain and obesity, which puts you at a higher risk for heart disease, says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. That's not the only reason you should be breaking up periods of sitting time with some physical activity. Missing out on physical activity also encourages the development of visceral fat, aka belly fat. Too much visceral fat can increase inflammation, which, in turn, can contribute to more weight gain—a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. Another reason to get up and out of your chair is that inactivity may lead to the development of insulin resistance. When you have insulin resistance, your body is less responsive to insulin. This hormone normally shuttles glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. Trouble is, when insulin stops working effectively, blood glucose levels rise. Over time, this can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes and can eventually damage your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease. One review found that the more sitting time a person clocked each day, the higher their risk of insulin resistance. Regularly moving your body makes your muscles grab glucose from your blood to use for energy, potentially protecting you from heart troubles. In addition to all the above adverse effects of sitting too much, too much sedentary time means you'll miss out on all the other positive things moving your body does for your heart. 'Physical activity directly improves nearly every cardiovascular risk factor,' says cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, M.D. 'Even 20 minutes of walking a day helps lower blood pressure, reduces inflammation, improves blood sugar control and supports healthier cholesterol levels, all critical to reducing heart disease risk. More movement equals more protection.' Sitting too much is a hard habit to break, but it can do so much good for your heart. If you are looking for more ways to give your heart some love, try these expert strategies: Make Time for Exercise Snacks: 'Try exercise snacks, which are short bursts of movement throughout the day,' says Rouse. 'These mini movement breaks are easy to fit into daily routines and have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and vascular health.' They're so powerful that research has found that taking a quick one-minute exercise snack every one to four hours throughout the day can help lower blood sugar and triglycerides and improve blood flow throughout the body. If you could use a reminder, Rouse suggests setting a timer to tell you it's time to get up and move. Embrace the Mediterranean Diet: Following a healthy eating pattern can also go a long way in protecting your heart health. Andrews recommends the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes heart-supporting fruits, veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and olive oil. It's so effective that research has found that it may cut the risk of dying from heart disease by nearly 50%. Get Checked: When life gets busy, it's all too easy to skip (or cancel) routine doctors' visits. For the sake of your heart, make your annual checkup a priority. 'You can't feel high cholesterol or blood pressure, so it's important to get those numbers checked and address any risks early,' says Klodas. Catch Those Zzz's: When it comes to heart health, diet and exercise are usually the first things that come to mind. However, making sure you get enough quality sleep at night could be just as important. Regularly getting less than seven hours of sleep is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. No wonder the American Heart Association lists sleep as one of their 'Life's Essential 8' foundational strategies for better heart health. Between desk jobs, long commutes and unwinding in front of the TV, most of us spend way too much time sitting. Yet, it's silently raising our risk for heart disease. In fact, experts say avoiding too much time on your tush is the No. 1 thing to avoid for better heart health. Sitting too long can slow down blood circulation and may promote weight gain and insulin resistance. Plus, when you're sitting, you're missing out on the many benefits of physical activity. The good news is that even short one-minute movement breaks every hour or so can help counteract the effects of sitting. 'You don't have to be perfect ... just better,' says Klodas. 'Small, consistent changes can make a real difference, often in as little as 30 days.' So, set a timer on your phone to help you remember to get up and out of your chair for a quick movement break. Your heart will thank you for it. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
RNZ News
04-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Science: How sitting shrinks your brain, crime from the cradle
Science commentator Allan Blackman looks at how sitting for hours can affect your brain - even if you're doing regular exercise. A major new study has tracked 80,000 Queenslanders, looking at how their path to crime was shaped early and differently, for men and women. Allan Blackman is a Professor of Chemistry, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology.
