According to the American Medical Association, the average time American adults spend sitting has increased to about 6.5 hours a day, up to 8 hours a day for teens. We sit and watch television, sometimes even binging an entire season in a couple of days. We work and play on our computers, often in the same position for hours. Our kids sit at school, libraries, and spectator sports.
Most people do not give it another thought until they notice minor aches and pains that eventually grow into more severe conditions. Once muscles and bones get weak, it takes serious effort and medical help to strengthen them again.
What is Considered a Sedentary Lifestyle?
If you’re a couch potato, you already know you live a pretty inactive lifestyle. Couch potato people are generally in the senior citizen category, as most are no longer working or taking care of kids. Part of the problem with retirement is that unless there are hobbies and activities to get them “up and at ‘em,” sitting seems like the most normal way to spend time.
When fewer calories are burned, there are serious consequences. There will likely be a slower metabolism, which means it is more difficult to break down fats and sugars in the body. The immune system is weakened, blood circulation is not up to par, inflammation issues arise, and a hormonal imbalance may result.
What are the Specific Health Risks from Sitting Too Much?
The chain of events mentioned above will ultimately turn into possible severe conditions. If you are experiencing any of the following, consider taking action right away before your health worsens.
- Obesity
- Heart diseases, like coronary artery disease (and heart attacks)
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Depression and anxiety
Sitting too much can increase the risk of premature death the more sedentary – the higher the health risks.
Of course, the easiest way to improve a sedentary lifestyle is to get moving. Every hour or so, take a walk around the block… the house… the mall – anywhere!
How Acupuncture Can Improve Your Health
Acupuncture for back pain is as commonly used as acupuncture for neck pain! But did you know that acupuncture can provide relief for many disorders? For example, it can help obesity, arthritis, adrenal exhaustion, hormone imbalances, high blood pressure, and so much more.
Acupuncture is also a fantastic treatment for preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It is a holistic treatment, which means it treats the mind-body connection by stimulating the central nervous system. It releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These changes elicit the body’s natural healing abilities and enhance physical and emotional well-being.
The benefits of acupuncture treatment are most noticeable after three or four days. The effects can last a couple of weeks, but it is best to schedule frequent treatments if the problem is chronic. Acupuncture can also provide permanent results for some patients. Many patients prefer a monthly or quarterly treatment to continue to improve.
Book a complimentary consultation to learn how acupuncture can correct those aches and pains before becoming more serious health conditions.
