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Beware of the 'sitting' disease

 Excessive sitting may cost you later in life.

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Excessive sitting may cost you later in life.

According to a new study, sedentary behavior such as sitting can be problematic, costly and eventually lead a "sitting" disability.

"Sedentary behavior may be separate risk factor," Dorothy Dunlap, the study's lead author from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago said.

Those who sit excessively are more likely to be disabled, according to the study, a non-active lifestyle can be linked to premature mortality.

The disability can also be linked to poor health outcomes, increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and overall, increased health care costs.

Dunlap monitored physical activity of more than 2200 adults aged 60 and older using a accelerometer. 

The monitor was attached to belt around the waist. Participants were asked to wear the monitor for 7 days. 

Dunlap noted there are limitations with the study. Accelerometers did not detect all activities such as cycling or upper body movement and accelerometers were not worn during water activities such as swimming.

On average the group spent 9 hours a day being sedentary during waking hours.

The study showed a strong relationship between more time spent sitting and the presence of the disability. For every additional sedentary hour, the chances of disability increased by approximately 50 percent.

The disability was defined as having trouble doing self-care tasks such as getting in and out of bed, eating, dressing or walking. 

"Participation in moderate vigorous physical activity is low cost measure to improve health outcomes and reduce disability," Dunlap said.

More than 5.3 million deaths worldwide are related to lack of physical activity each year, the study concluded.

Dunlap's primary message:  find ways to increase physical activity.

"These findings support programs encouraging older adults to decrease sedentary behavior regardless of their engagement in moderate or vigorous activity."

 

 
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