The Hidden Risks of Sitting
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Lesson Article
Introduction
Sitting for long periods of time can have a detrimental impact on our physical health. Our bodies are built for motion and movement is essential for our muscles, blood circulation, and overall health. This lesson will explore the effects of sitting on our bodies and what we can do to combat it.
The Body’s Structure and Movement
The human body is built to move. With over 360 joints and about 700 skeletal muscles, our bodies are structured for easy, fluid motion. Movement helps blood flow freely through our bodies, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all the cells that need them. Our nerve cells benefit from movement, and our skin is elastic, allowing it to mold to our motions.
The Backbone of the Problem
When we sit with a curved back and slumped shoulders, it puts uneven pressure on our spine. Over time, this causes wear and tear in our spinal discs, overworks certain ligaments and joints, and puts strain on muscles that stretch to accommodate our back’s curved position. This hunched shape also shrinks our chest cavity, limiting the amount of oxygen that fills our lungs and filters into our blood.
The Impact of Sitting
When we sit for long periods of time, our soft tissues become compressed and pressurized, causing numbness and swelling in our limbs. Additionally, the enzyme lipoprotein lipase in the walls of blood capillaries is deactivated, which means that we are not burning fat as well as when we move around. Studies have linked sitting for long periods with some types of cancers, heart disease, diabetes, kidney and liver problems, and even premature death.
Solutions
The solutions to combat the effects of sitting are simple and intuitive. When we have no choice but to sit, we should try to sit with a straighter spine. When we don’t have to be bound to our seat, we should aim to move around much more, perhaps by setting a reminder to get up every half hour. Standing up and stretching can be a great way to treat your body to a break, as it can help to reduce muscle tension and fatigue. Taking a walk can also be beneficial for our body, as it can help to reduce stress and increase our energy levels.
Conclusion
Our bodies are not built to stay seated for long periods of time. It is essential to move around to maintain our physical health, and sitting for long periods of time can have a detrimental impact. By making small changes to our daily routine, such as standing up and stretching, and taking a walk, we can combat the negative effects of sitting and keep our bodies healthy and strong.
Discussion Questions
- How often do you find yourself sitting for long periods of time?
- What are some ways that you currently combat the negative effects of sitting?
- How does your work or daily routine affect your ability to move around?
- What are some challenges you face when trying to incorporate more movement into your day?
- Have you ever experienced physical discomfort or pain as a result of sitting for too long?
- How do you prioritize movement and physical activity in your daily life?
- What are some creative ways you could incorporate more movement into your workday?
- How do you think society could shift towards a culture that prioritizes movement and physical health?
Lesson Vocabulary
sitting – the act of resting on one’s buttocks and thighs with the torso upright – I have been sitting for hours and my back is starting to ache.
physical health – the state of being free from illness or injury and having a good level of fitness – Regular exercise and a balanced diet help maintain physical health.
movement – the act of changing physical location or position – Movement is important for maintaining joint flexibility.
joints – the part of the body where two or more bones meet, enabling movement – Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and causes pain and stiffness.
blood circulation – the continuous flow of blood through the body, which is necessary for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues – Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
spine – the column of bones that runs down the center of the back and supports the body – Poor posture can put strain on the spine and cause back pain.
soft tissues – the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect and support the bones and organs of the body – Repetitive strain injuries can cause damage to the soft tissues and lead to chronic pain.
solutions – methods or strategies for solving a problem or addressing a challenge – There are many different solutions to the problem of stress, such as meditation, exercise, or therapy.
muscle tension – the state of being tight or strained in the muscles, which can cause pain and discomfort – Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
fatigue – physical or mental exhaustion that is often caused by overwork or lack of sleep – Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is characterized by extreme fatigue and weakness.
stress – the physical, mental, and emotional strain caused by a demanding situation or event – Stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.
energy levels – the amount of physical or mental energy that a person has – Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain high energy levels throughout the day.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: blood circulation, energy levels, fatigue, joints, movement, muscle tension, physical health, sitting, soft tissues, solutions, spine, stress
