Standing, touted as an antidote to sedentary lifestyles, may be less beneficial than previously thought. A new study shows that this position does not reduce the risk of heart disease and suggests that a combination of sitting and moving is healthier. One study conducted by a University and published in the Journal of Epidemiology, on a sample of more than eighty thousand people, shows a link between standing, and health problems, as per the Doctors.
The study showed that prolonged standing, particularly for more than two hours a day, can be harmful to the health. Researchers have found that this position increases the risk of circulation problems such as blood clots and varicose veins. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, standing does not protect against heart disease.
For every thirty extra minutes spent standing over the two-hour limit, the risk of circulatory disease increases by eleven percent. One of the authors of the studies explains that standing for too long cannot compensate for an otherwise sedentary lifestyle and could be risky for some people in terms of circulatory health. For optimal health, experts suggest replacing long periods of standing with regular breaks from physical activity.
One Professor suggests taking regular breaks, walking, walking to a meeting, using the stairs, and taking frequent breaks when driving long distances or using your lunch break to get away from your desk and to do a little movement. A nurse at a heart foundation adds, that the more people can avoid sitting, the better. It is important to be active to reduce this risk.
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