A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise found that our bodies are suffering in part due to our work lifestyles. We all tend to sit for long periods of time in front of our computers, what would we do without them? However, this prolonged sitting does have a negative impact on our overall health. Some of my work family have opted for stand up desks, one of my friends actually has a treadmill desk, but the majority of my colleagues are like me, we sit, and sit, and sit! Yes, I am back on my soap box! 

The study found that taking a 5-minute stroll every half hour was the optimal break from being seated to improve cardiometabolic and mental health. One positive identified during the study was that when the study participants took these 5-minute walks, glucose spikes after eating were reduced by 58% compared with sitting all day. This is comparable to the reduction you would see if someone had diabetes and was using insulin or other diabetic medications to control their blood sugar! Another benefit was a reduction in systolic blood pressure similar to what you would see in someone who exercised daily for 6 months! 

Bottom line, if you have a job or lifestyle where you have to sit for long periods of time, take a 5-minute walking break every half hour. Even if you are a “work out fanatic” and exercise 30 minutes every morning, your body still needs regular activity “snacks” throughout the day to operate well. We have talked about taking laps around your center, talking with staff and residents, meeting families as they come to visit, etc. This is an amazing way to improve your overall health while continuously checking the pulse in your center. Tie up those walking shoes and get going, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Stay well and stay informed!