Preventing Sitting Injuries > Using a Standing Desk
Anyone who works at an office has likely heard of the standing desk trend. What seemed to be a phase might have a legitimate impact on the way Americans work in the future. As the health implications of standing have been proven – such as a lesser risk for diabetes, improved posture and increased calorie burning – more and more office employees are choosing to create a standing desk. In this series of articles, we’ve explored how to prevent sitting injuries, how to undo the effects of sitting long term, and even the benefits of fidgeting. As we explore the benefits of this trendy desk, in hopes of curbing Bankers Workers’ Compensation Insurance claims, think about whether you and your staff would benefit from one.
Reduced risk of obesity.
Getting up and moving around has more health benefits than one might imagine.
According to the Smithsonian, failing to take advantage of these constant movement opportunities, it turns out, is closely associated with obesity. And research suggests that our conventional exercise strategy—sitting all day at work, then hitting the gym or going for a run—”makes scarcely more sense than the notion that you could counter a pack-a-day smoking habit by jogging,” as James Vlashos puts it in the New York Times. The key to reducing the risk of obesity is consistent, moderate levels of movement throughout the day.
While the reason for this is still to be determined, scientists speculate that metabolic changes are associated with more movement as opposed to being sedentary for the better part of the day.
Reduced risk for cardiovascular issues.
Scientists have found that that adults who spend two more hours per day sitting have a 125 percent increased risk of health problems related to cardiovascular disease, including chest pain and heart attacks.
Even if it’s a short walk across the hallway, taking a walk to the bathroom, or standing at a desk rather than sitting for a few hours a day, the overall health of an individual can benefit.
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