Sitting is the New Smoking -The Numbers do not lie.

36% of adults are NOT physically active in their free time.

25% of American adults sit more than 8 hours per day.

You're probably familiar with the phrase "sitting is the new smoking," but do we truly understand the gravity of this statement? What are the lasting health implications for individuals who spend prolonged periods sitting down? It's worth noting that while sitting, we only burn 1 calorie per minute, whereas chewing gum can burn 3 calories per minute. Moreover, after just 2 hours of sitting, there is a 20% decrease in good cholesterol levels. Given the nature of our work, which often involves extended computer use, it's essential to bring attention to this emerging health issue. So, to our radiologists, clients, and fellow team members, here are the statistics for your consideration.

36% of adults are NOT physically active in their free time and 25% of American adults sit more than 8 hours or more per day.

Just how much do we sit?

1.     Office worker: 12 hours/day

2.     The Average adult: 9.3 hours/day

3.     Average person on weekends: 8 hours/day

4.     80% of jobs require NO physical activity

So what is the big deal?

Sitting vs. Smoking

1.     Sitting more than 8 hours per day is as bad as smoking 1 pack of cigarettes per day

2.     It also increases your risk of Lung Cancer by more than 50%.

Effects of Sedentary lifestyles (sitting more than 6 hours):

1.     Increases the risk of Colon Cancer by double.

2.     There is a 44% higher chance of Rectal Cancer among people who sit regularly more than 6 hours

3.     There is an increased risk of Obesity: Obese people sit on average 2.5 hours more each day.

Read our other blog post titled: Sitting is the New Smoking – Ways to Combat the Long-term Health Effects of Sitting.