.png)
Millions of Americans have occupations that involve too much sitting and not enough moving. Jobs that involve limited mobility can lead to serious health conditions later in life, such as heart disease and cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, prolonged and frequent sitting can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack by 125 percent. To avoid hidden occupational illnesses associated with office jobs, regular exercise is crucial.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that a 10-minute walk once per day could improve vascular health and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Prolonged sitting can allow fatty acids to clog the heart valves, cause high blood pressure and raise cholesterol.
Not enough exercise and too many calories can raise the risk of being overweight or obese. According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity is associated with cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, kidneys, thyroid and gallbladder. Regular exercise can cut calories and burn body fat, reducing the risk of developing these types of cancers.
Not exercising enough can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer even when people are not overweight or obese. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause the pancreas to overproduce insulin, a hormone that can encourage cancer cell growth. For example, lower amounts of physical activity can increase the risk of developing colon and breast cancer.
What Types of Exercise After Work Can Decrease the Risk of Disease?
The Centers for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as walking, or 75-minutes of higher intensity aerobic activity per week. Higher intensity aerobic activities include running or swimming. These activities can help lower weight and decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
Workplace safety involves finding ways to stay healthy. Even though some occupations may lack immediate physical dangers, other unforeseen consequences can arise later in life.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Lawyers
Comments