Breaking the Sedentary Habit: Reducing Sitting Time for Improved Health

Research has shown that an increased amount of sitting can be linked to a range of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of reducing our sedentary habits to improve our overall health.

Rosenberg’s team conducted a clinical trial involving older adults and discovered that reducing daily sitting time by approximately 30 minutes led to improved blood pressure measurements. This could potentially lower the risk of health problems. To help people decrease their sitting time, Rosenberg offers tips such as standing during activities that are typically done sitting, setting up a standing desk, and incorporating standing into everyday habits like talking on the phone or watching TV.

To make these changes more sustainable and effective, Rosenberg recommends changing TV habits by standing or stretching while watching TV. Additionally, small bits of standing and walking throughout the day can also help reduce overall sitting time. For example, taking short walks after meals or parking farther away when running errands can have a significant impact on our health in the long run. Making these simple changes to incorporate more movement into our daily routines can have a positive impact on our overall well-being.