By Admin 
In today’s busy life, we consider ourselves safe because we neither smoke cigarettes nor take any intoxicant. But do you know that even without smoking, you can fall prey to many serious diseases. The biggest reason for this is sitting continuously for a long time. Working for hours sitting on a chair in the office, sitting while travelling, spending time on TV or mobile after coming home, all this has become a part of our daily routine.
At first glance it seems absolutely normal, but medical research is showing that sitting continuously can be as dangerous for the body as smoking cigarettes. For this reason, nowadays health experts have started calling it the new smoking. This habit gradually weakens the body from inside and gives rise to many serious diseases.
Why is the problem of sitting lifestyle increasing?
Technology has made our lives easier but has also made us lazy. Today most people work on computers or laptops for 8 to 10 hours, keep scrolling on phones, sit at one place for hours watching TV. When the body does not get a chance to move for a long time, it directly affects our heart, brain, muscles and digestive system.
Which parts of the body get harmed the most by sitting for a long time?
1. Effect on heart and blood cells – Sitting for a long time slows down blood flow. This can increase blood pressure, increase bad cholesterol (LDL), increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to research, the risk of death from heart disease increases significantly in people who sit for more than 8 hours a day.
2. Diabetes and Insulin Resistance – When the body is not active, the muscles are not able to use sugar properly, due to this insulin does not work properly, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases, this problem can happen even in thin people.
3. Obesity and slow metabolism – Very few calories are burnt while sitting. Due to which weight increases rapidly, fat gets accumulated around the stomach and waist, metabolism of the body becomes slow.
4. Pain in back, neck and shoulders – Working while sitting in the wrong way puts pressure on the spine, causes stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and can cause long-lasting back pain.
5. Effect on brain and mental health – Due to less physical activity, less oxygen reaches the brain, stress, anxiety and depression can increase and there is difficulty in concentrating.
6. The digestive system becomes weak – Sitting down immediately after eating food slows down digestion. There are problems of gas, constipation and acidity.
Is sitting really as dangerous as smoking?
According to doctors, sitting and smoking cause harm in different ways, but both the habits gradually make the body sick. Some studies show that sitting for 8 hours continuously can be as harmful as smoking 10–15 cigarettes a week. Sitting for a long time increases the risk of untimely death.
How to avoid sitting for long periods of time?
1. Get up every 30 minutes, walk or stretch for 2–3 minutes between work.
2. Get into the habit of working while standing and if possible, use a standing desk.
3. Keep walking on phone calls, do not sit in a chair while talking on the phone.
4. Exercise daily, brisk walking, yoga or cycling is very beneficial.
5. Sit correctly, with a straight back, loose shoulders and the screen at eye level.
6. Be active at home too, get up and walk or do light work while watching TV.
Read this also- Every third Indian is struggling with fatty liver, research reveals, silent disease growing without pain
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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