Sitting Too Long Can Affect Health

So many daily activities that require us to sit for a long time, ranging from doing homework, playing computer, working in the office, to traveling using a vehicle. Be careful, sitting too long can interfere with our health. A number of studies have linked sitting too long with various health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, dementia, to increase the risk of death from heart disease and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease). Sitting for a long period is thought to affect the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and is thought to slow down the metabolism and breakdown of body fat. When in a sitting position, the body is likened to being extinguished because only a little muscle activity is activated.

Reduce Sitting Intensity

Actually there is no standard set of how much time someone spends to be considered sitting too long. However, if your work or activities have mostly been done in a sitting position, it is better to start reducing the intensity of sitting. That way, bones, muscles, and the body as a whole can be used more effectively. Some doctors even recommend resting from a sitting position every 30 minutes. You can stand, walk around, or go up and down stairs. This needs to be done by all age groups, including people who exercise regularly. Reducing the length of sitting and increasing active movements are beneficial for maintaining heart health.

Tips for Setting the Sitting Position

If your job requires sitting for long periods of time, some of the following tips might help you avoid injury due to sitting with the wrong posture.

• Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level

The recommended distance from the monitor to the eye is the length of your arm. Also, make sure the top of the monitor is level with your eyes, so that you don't have to bend or look up to make your neck hurt. In addition, also adjust the light from the monitor so it is not too glare or too dark.

• Use a back support

Also adjust the height and back of the chair to support the lower back. A good sitting position is if the knee height is slightly below the waist.

• Adjust the height of chairs and tables

Adjust the height of the table and chairs so that the elbows are so that your fingers are straight when typing.

• Use foot pads

In order to sit more comfortably, you can use foot pads. You are also advised to put your feet on the floor, not stand on tiptoes, and not cross your legs.

• Pay attention to the keyboard distance

The ideal keyboard distance is about 10-15 cm from the edge of the table. This is intended so that the wrist does not ache. Not only that, the distance of the mouse is recommended not too far from your body. If necessary, use a wrist rest if you use the mouse frequently enough.

In addition to avoiding sitting too long, correct sitting position can reduce the risk of health problems related to posture such as back or neck pain. If your work or activity requires you to sit too long and cause health problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor to get further treatment.