Physical inactivity is a real public health problem and is today the 4th risk factor for mortality in the world after high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Yet this news study published in the medical journal Journal of Sports Science reveals to us that office workers are more sedentary than seniors, especially during the week when they mainly spend their sitting time.
Researchers at the Edinburgh Physical Activity for Health Research Center in Scotland set up a survey with 14,307 people to analyze their time spent in different activities, including working time in a seated position.
The survey reveals that on weekdays, working people spend more time sitting than people aged 75 and over. On weekends, this data is reversed. Indeed, active people seem to compensate for their inactivity during the week, on weekends.
Among all men, workers and non-workers, most age groups reported being out of the labor force longer than retirees. On the other hand, women, on the whole, were more active than retirees.
The authors suggest that the sedentary lifestyle created by the workplace is a public health risk for cardiovascular illnessesfrom diabetes and some cancer.
Physical inactivity, a public health problem
To keep in shape and preserve your health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 10,000 steps a day. The benefits of physical activity are scientifically proven. Regular practice of a sport can reduce the risk of developing a breast cancerby 26% the risk of colorectal cancera 25% risk of having a stroke and a 34% risk of diabetes.
Being active at work might be easier than you think. You can make bike Where to walk for part or all of your daily commute, going to your contact’s office, rather than emailing or making phone calls and using your lunch break for exercise and of course using the stairs instead from the elevator.
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