Why sitting for prolonged periods is bad for your health

M. Carlson pumpkins - photo N. Carlson

I recently reviewed a Great Courses video on the negative health effects of sitting as part of a review for a research group conducting a multi-year study on the benefits of sit stand work stations.  Results of the study will be available in approximately 2 years.   The lack of muscle movement in the legs severely restricts the fat clearing from the blood vessels.  Moving each hour helps minimize the effects.

 

Why Sitting All Day is Killing You - The Great Courses - 3 min. 11 sec. 

Puzzle ergonomics

During the course of a series of ergonomic evaluations an employee showed me a puzzle area in a break room.  Most puzzles are put on card tables at a height around 28 inches.   This counter top was set at approximately 43 inches high.  This is in the range of the the average elbow height.

Working on puzzles can provide an excellent mental break from a task and allow for a bit of informal socialization.  Assuring that the surface height is appropriate will minimize ergonomic issues associated with working a puzzle. A standing height surface also provides a good break from sitting. 

 Benefits of Good Posture - 4 min.