Don’t Just Sit There - Move!

Did you know that sitting can be hazardous to your health? Even if you are an active person who works out regularly, sitting can still pose a threat. According to Mayo Clinic endocrinologist/researcher James Levine, MD, PhD, sitting for excessive amounts of time has been linked to: heart disease; diabetes; cancer; kidney disease; back problems; loss of flexibility; joint and hip pain; anemia; deep vein thrombosis; depression; shorter longevity; and bone loss.

Researchers are referring to this phenomenon as the “sitting disease.” So how can you avoid the “sitting disease?” Easy – stand up!  Set your cell phone alarm to chime every 30 to 60 minutes and when it does get up a move around. Get a drink of water. Do a few stretches. Take a short walk. Just move. In addition, find ways to move more throughout your day. Stand up during phone call. Do a few sit ups during commercial breaks. Park a bit father from the entrance to the mall. Using myself as an example, if you are ever in an airplane with me you will find me pacing the aisle every hour or so. A bit unnerving for my fellow passengers but great for my health!For more tips on how to avoid the “sitting disease” check out the July 2015 issue of Oxygen magazine. (www.oxygenmag.com)

Until Next Time,

Dr. Sheila

www.DrSheilaForman.com

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Not Sure How Much Exercise is Enough Exercise? Here’s what the CDC has to say.

We should all be exercising – but you knew that already. How much and what kind of exercise can be confusing. Here’s what I found in the June 2015 edition of the Nutrition Action Newsletter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (note: these recommendations are for adults.)

To start improving your health do:

ü  150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. You can choose from activities such as walking, water aerobics, bicycling, tennis and dancing OR

ü  75 minutes of rigorous aerobic activity each week. You can chose from activities such as jogging, running, swimming, hiking, jump roping.

To increase your health even more do:

ü  300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week OR

ü  150 minutes of rigorous aerobic activity each week.

The CDC also recommends:

ü  2 or more sessions a week of muscle strengthening exercises

ü  Be sure to include all the major muscle groups – legs, hips, back, chest, arms, shoulders and abdomen.

So, now that you know, what are you waiting for? See you at the gym …

Until Next Time,

Dr. Sheila

www.DrSheilaForman.com

If you'd like to join my email list, click here.