| Come Walk with the Doc There is an epidemic in the country that by comparison almost makes smoking look like a healthy pastime. I call this new disease “The Sitting Syndrome.” Statistics about this disease are impressive: 1. Studies show that sitting more than 6 hours/day contributes to heart disease, various cancers, and diabetes. (The average American sits over 9 hrs a day.) 2. Sitting significantly increases the risk of depression. 3. For men that sit more than 23 hours a week there is a 64% greater chance of dying from heart disease than those sitting 11 hours per week or less. 4. Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more dangerous than parachuting. Each day, I meet too many that are sitting themselves to death. So, what to do? Well, for each of us the answer may be a little different. For some it’s a daily walk. Granted, while that’s my favorite recommendation, it’s not the answer for everyone. For alternatives, here are a few suggestions: 1. Every 30-60 minutes get up and move around. 2. Walk your dog. They make a great exercise coach when you need encouragement. 3. Consider a stand-up or treadmill desk. (Using it to walk your dog doesn’t count!) 4. If walking isn’t working, try joining an indoor pool/exercise group. 5. If you're driving long distances, stop every hour and walk for 5-10 minutes. 6. When you are on the phone, stand up and walk around or jog in place. 7. Join or start a walk group. Spring and fall mornings are awesome - cool with no bugs! 8. Take a pie to a different neighbor each month. There is no better home security system than neighbors that look out for neighbors. One nice pie a month may be the most effective security system you can buy. As a bonus, staying socially connected has significant health benefits. Rest assured, no one will be disappointed that you showed up with a pie. Plan to join me in a fun Saturday activity that’s a step toward better health. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama As a doctor, one of my missions is encouraging healthy physical activity to help reverse the consequences of sedentary living. Studies show that a brisk walk helps lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and the effects of over 100 other health issues. What better way to begin improving your general health. Best of all, while you walk you can meet with friends, make new friends, and make your doctor proud. There is a reason why walking is often called the one best thing we can do for our health. My walking program is about you, your health, and the opportunity to improve the health of our community. It’s pet friendly. It’s fun. Let’s do it! If cloudy, bring an umbrella, we walk come rain or shine. |