SITTING DISEASE AND ITS PROBLEMS
There are more people worldwide suffering from Neck pain and
Back pain. Among the resons for this are related to Workstyle and Lifesyle. At
work most people sit for long hours. Prolonged sitting has now been identified as
a problem called the Sitting Disease. This is associated with diabetes, obesity
and a shortened life. Other major problems are heart attack, strokes and spine
problems.
It is important to break up sitting at work. Dr Prem Pillay, a Spine Specialist, recommends that you take Micro-Breaks from sitting every 30 minutes. Please
stand for 30 seconds for every 30 minutes of sitting. Another option is to have
a standing work desk. Combining a sitting and standing work desk is more
healthy for you states Dr Prem, and can reduce the problems of Sitting Disease.
Prolonged sitting can also occur on the way to work and on the way home.
Sitting in a bus, MRT train, taxi and a car for long hours particularly in City
traffic is harmful as well. Standing up from sitting when and where possible
for a few seconds is still helpful says Dr Prem Pillay.
Many people also have a sedentary lifestyle away from work.
They come home and sit on the couch or chair and watch TV for hours. This is
common in older people. Younger people also often sit at home in front of a
computer to interact with their friends on FaceBook and other social media; or
to play computer games. It would be better to shorten these activities. Having
a proper healthy lifestyle requires some outdoor activites. For older people
this should include walking and even gardening or dancing. For younger working
people, regular light exercise including fast walking, swimming and cyling
would be suitable states Dr Prem Pillay.
Children now have bad habits from their early years with
poor posture when sitting and standing.
Many children now spend their home hours playing on laptops and ipads.
This is bad for their health. Dr Prem
encourages parents to encourage their children to play outdoors when
they come home from school. This is especially important for children who do
not do enough sports at school.
In conclusion, Dr Prem Pillay has given a list of health
tips:
1.A Comfortable Sleep Enviroment helps rest the spine. Use a
firm but comfortable mattress; a spine mattress is made by many manufacturers
and a good thin pillow.
2. Try to manage your weight . If you are overweight, weight reduction does reduce loading on the
spine.
3. A Good Posture while sitting, standing and working will
reduce stress on the spine
4. Reduce the weight of bags and briefcases that need to be
carried to and from work places.
5..Recognize spine related pain early and get the right
treatment from the right specialist
Furthur info:
www.spine-neuro.org
www.singaporespine.org
