Sitting Is The New Smoking!

How often have you heard that in the past few years?

Yes, its true…approximately 500,000 people die yearly due to complications from smoking, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, vascular and pulmonary heart disease.[1]

But what is even more astonishing are the studies that have shown that leading a sedentary lifestyle (sitting for 13 or more hours per day), can increase your risk of early death by 200% as compared to those who sat less than 11 hours per day! [2]

Here's how it 'stacks' up:

Smoking: Causes significant damage to the entire cardiovascular system

Sitting: Excessive sitting creates a greater risk of developing heart disease, a rise in blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.

Smoking: Has an effect on the making of insulin—this can result in becoming insulin resistant, hence the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.[3]

Sitting: Research has shown that to avoid Type 2 diabetes, controlling it or even reversing the diagnosis can be accomplished by staying active and engaging in moderate exercise— recommended amount is for at least 2.5 hours per week, including 2-3 days per week of muscle strengthening activities.

Smoking: Raises blood pressure or weakens the blood vessel walls that may very well cause a stroke or blood clots.

Sitting: Sitting for extended periods of time can increase your risk of developing blood clots.

Smoking: Of course, this goes without saying…smoking causes cancer—not just of the lungs, but the nose, lip, tongue and mouth.

Sitting: Studies have shown that people who are not active enough have a higher risk of developing cancer. [4]

Smoking: Nicotine withdrawal not only makes one feel anxious and irritated but depressed, as well.

Sitting: A sedentary lifestyle has been connectedto suffering from depression.

Smoking: High cholesterol is a side effect of smoking

Sitting: Sitting can cause high cholesterol due to lack of exercise

According to Keith Diaz, research scientist at Columbia University Department of Medicine, "for every 30 consecutive minutes of sitting, stand up and move/walk for five minutes at brisk pace to reduce the health risks from sitting. " He indicates that there is a 55% lower risk of death for those who sat less then 30 minutes at a time as compared to people that sat for more than 90 minute stretches— 'nearly two-fold greater risk of death than those who almost always sat for less than 90 minutes at a stretch.'

The most preventable form of death is not just by NOT smoking, but staying active and making sure you do not lead a sedentary lifestyle.

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