Desk Workers Should Stand for At least Two Hours a Day
Desk Workers Should Stand for At least Two Hours a Day – A panel of experts from the UK has come up with some workable solutions for the so-called sitting disease that puts many desk-workers’ health at risk.
A sedentary lifestyle that includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk when at work, and sitting at home has been linked with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. A recent study, led by Avirup Biswas from the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, found that too much sitting was even linked with an increased risk of dying early. While more research is needed to show the impact of sitting on health, the guidelines for including activity can only help.
According to the experts, standing for two hours every working day has shown to provide health benefits. They suggest workers could do this by standing up and talking to colleagues, having “standing” or “walking” meetings, using stand-up desks or adjustable sit-stand desks.
Gavin Bradley, who also participated on the panel, and is the founder of the UK-based nonprofit organization Active Working CIC, says that it’s important for workplace cultures to change and to make standing or walking more acceptable. Otherwise, some people may try to follow the guidelines, while others may feel intimated or react negatively.
The new guidelines were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Category: News
