Anna Faszcza Sitting Disease

Living an inactive way of life has already become a significant public medical and health issue and seems to be widespread in many nations. Research shows that about 21 percent of adults meet the physical activity guidelinesmeet the physical activity guidelinesmeet the physical activity guidelines while 5 percent perform 30 minutes of any kind of sport every day. What does it exactly say about our habits? A. ________ But how do we know that we are among those who lead a sedentary lifestylesedentary lifestylesedentary lifestyle?

First of all, if you lack energy and feel fatiguedfeel fatiguedfeel fatigued for most of the time, it should raise the alarm. The less we move, the less endorphins are produced. B. ________ In other words, unless we take up any activity, we won’t improve our cardiovascular conditionwon’t improve our cardiovascular condition [improve the cardiovascular condition]won’t improve our cardiovascular condition nor generate more energygenerate more energygenerate more energy to act.

Struggling with sleep? Scientists have solid evidencesolid evidencesolid evidence that physical activity has a salutary effect on the quantity and quality of sleephas a salutary effect on the quantity and quality of sleep [have a salutary effect on the quantity and quality of sleep]has a salutary effect on the quantity and quality of sleep. In order to guarantee a good rest during the night, it’s sufficient to exercise 30 minutes of aerobics four or five times a week at least one to two hours before going to bed.

Putting on weightputting on weight [put on weight]Putting on weight might be a sign either of a health problem or… lack of movement. Actually, both reasons need a complete attitude changeattitude changeattitude change. Sitting for the majority of the day results in slow metabolismslow metabolism [metabolism]slow metabolism, digestion problemsdigestion problems [digestion problem]digestion problems, gaining kilos, and stiff jointsstiff joints [stiff joint]stiff joints as well. C. ________ If your body aches, the only possible cure for that is regular exercise which will bring reliefbring reliefbring relief and strengthen muscles.

Don’t forget that lying on the sofa for most of the day doesn't help your spine keep upright posturekeep upright posturekeep upright posture. Without enough physical activity, you are at risk of weakening your muscles, which may consequently lead to slouchingslouching [slouch]slouching. It goes like this: a bad body position causes backaches and stiff joints. The longer you remain inactive, the more problems you will have with your back. That makes a vicious circlevicious circle [vicious cycle]vicious circle.

Another issue that you should examine thoroughly is the condition of your skin. Healthy skin looks and feels smooth and is of a natural glow. If your skin is dry, of darkened colour, dull and looks aged, it might be a signal that you don’t exercise enough, nor drink enough water. Exercising supports healthy blood circulationblood circulationblood circulation, which maintains vibrant skin.

Not only our physical sphere suffers from a sedentary lifestyle, but our mental health does too. D. ________ Many struggle with depression, stress, and anxiety. Needless to say, weak psychological conditions negatively affect the quality of life. Remember: a healthy body is a healthy mind.

A sedentary lifestyle is not only about bad skin condition, problems with digestion, or feeling tired. The consequences of it might be far more serious than we imagine. Being inactive can be one of the causes of a number of chronic diseaseschronic diseases [chronic disease]chronic diseases such as heart diseaseheart diseases [heart disease]heart disease, high blood pressurehigh blood pressurehigh blood pressure, strokestrokestroke, osteoporosisosteoporosisosteoporosis, diabetesdiabetesdiabetes, obesity, and increased feelings of depression. It is also said that avoiding physical activities may raise the risk of premature deathpremature deathpremature death. The more sedentary you are, the higher the risks are.

If you haven’t been active, you can start slowly and gradually. Changing habits isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort for your health’s sake. There are many ways to start being active, and everyone should find the type best for them. You can start with simple, regular walks. Getting some exercise is always better than none. So, do not wait for another Monday, leave the sofa, wear a pair of comfortable sneakers, and move, move, move!

1 Źródło: Anna Faszcza, licencja: CC BY-SA 3.0.