Is Your Lifestyle Killing You? – Most Likely

I made a video of this very topic if you’d rather watch and listen. Just click here.

Straight forward question. What’s your physical activity like on a daily basis? Do you exercise regularly? Do you get up and move? Is your job mostly sitting at a desk? How do you counterbalance that if it is? What do you do to ensure consistency in physical activity every week?

Folks, the research is harsh! Inactivity increases your risk for diseases and can shorten your life span. That is the bottom line up front!

Do you have children? Grandchildren? Do you want to see them grow up, participate in sports, get married, have children of their own? Do you want those children to know you? They can’t know if you you’re not here. And if you’re sickly or riddled with disease because of your lifestyle choices will you be the grandparent that’s always in the chair or on the couch? Or will you be the grandparent that’s out throwing a ball, playing hide-and-seek, or pushing them in a swing?

Look, physical activity, exercise, is medicine for the body. Your body was built to be active, not sedentary. It doesn’t like sitting, it prefers moving. More and more evidence is piling up that sedentary lifestyles kill. Just recently the University of Oxford and University of Helsinki added to the growing body of evidence showing yet again, inactivity increases mortality rates of all kinds.

Sedentary lifestyles have been increasingly recognized as a significant health risk, with a growing body of research indicating that prolonged inactivity can lead to a range of serious health issues. Here are some key points and sources that highlight the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle:

Higher Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes

Sedentary behavior is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Physical inactivity leads to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. A study in Diabetologia revealed that each hour of daily sedentary time is associated with a 22% increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Increased Cancer Risk

There is also evidence linking sedentary lifestyles to a higher risk of certain cancers. Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicated that prolonged sitting is associated with a higher risk of colorectal, endometrial, and lung cancers. This is partly due to increased levels of inflammation and changes in hormone levels that can promote cancer growth.

Musculoskeletal Issues

Extended periods of inactivity can lead to musculoskeletal problems, including back pain and weakened muscles. Sitting for long durations can cause poor posture and strain on the spine, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Think about how stiff your body is after sitting for hours on an airplane or in a movie.

Mental Health Impacts

Sedentary behavior negatively affects mental health, contributing to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins and other chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress. A study in Mental Health and Physical Activity found that sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of depression. I have said for decades, if this group of people exercised consistently, they could rely less on their medications.

Comparison to Smoking

Several studies have suggested that the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle may be comparable to those of smoking. For instance, a review in The Lancet highlighted that physical inactivity contributes to more than 5 million deaths per year worldwide, similar to the number of deaths attributed to smoking. So yes, consistent inactivity is categorically equally dangerous as smoking cigarettes or vapes.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, even among those who engage in regular exercise. This is because what you eat has a significantly greater impact on cardiovascular disease. No amount of exercise will fix a bad diet. The risk increases due to factors like reduced blood flow, higher blood pressure, and negative impacts on cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Overall, the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle on physical and mental health are well-documented. The risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health disorders highlight the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into daily life to mitigate these risks.

This has to stop! And it’s NEVER too late to start exercising. Everyone has to begin where they are. But once you begin, you’re already moving toward a different outcome. Please! Don’t be a statistic! Get up! Get moving! Do some form of physical activity five to six days a week. You will feel better! You will move better! Your will improve your mood! Aches and pains will reduce!

The greatest gift we can pass on to our children and grandchildren is one of health. Show them how to do it!

Now, do one thing today that uplifts your spirit! Keep looking up!