The Problems of Inactivity
Long days spent sitting at the office and lack of outdoor activities for the kids is all leading to lifestyle diseases. A majority of the world is becoming a couch potato spending most of their free time either sitting or lying down. Earlier it was the TV to blame, but increasingly, Internet-based activities on various devices are now keeping people glued in sedentary positions.
And when it’s time to go out, we are still sitting down sedentary in cars, buses and trains! Numerous studies have provided evidence to show that physical inactivity increases the incidences of adverse health conditions including some of the world’s major non-communicable diseases like coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and breast and colon cancers amongst others. It’s even been estimated that 6-10% of non-communicable diseases are due to unhealthy life practices leading to premature deaths. Ancient Chinese physicians around 2600 BC and Hippocrates around 400 BC also advocated the importance of physical activity for good health.
Inactivity affects you in the following ways:
- You gain weight as you are burning fewer calories.
- You end up losing muscle mass and endurance.
- You have poor blood circulation.
- You can develop hormonal imbalances.
- Your immune system doesn’t work optimally.
- Your bones get weaker and become more brittle.
- Your metabolism may become affected.
- Your body may have more inflammation issues.
Health risks associated with inactivity:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease including CAD and heart attacks
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain Cancers
- Osteoporosis
- Depression and anxiety
- Premature death
Getting started on solving this glaring problem of inactivity isn’t so difficult; however, you would need to take the precaution of starting in a step-wise manner in keeping with your age and health status. Begin from home-based activities; gardening, yard work and housework are all great ways of getting started on becoming active.
Do some gentle yoga stretches while watching TV or sit on a pedal exercise bike for some moderate activity. Invest in some exercise equipment for your home; while a treadmill might be expensive for some, yoga balls or stretch bands might be more affordable and serve a similar purpose. A stroll through your neighbourhood as you walk the dog or drop off your kids is also a good way of starting to get active.
And when at the office, use every excuse possible to get up and walk around. You should also take the stairs and avoid the lift. Hence will begin your journey back to good health!
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
4 Signs of Mental Illness
As life has gotten fast and hectic, different health issues have got introduced lately. Not just physical issues,
4 Ways Night-Shifts Can Be Dangerous For Your Menstruation And Ovulation
A good night's sleep is of value for pregnant women. But with strenuous work-hours and shift work, sleep can quite a luxury for all.
Causes Of Infertility in Women
More and more women are putting off pregnancy till well into their 30’s or early 40’s for career reasons; infertility is fast becoming a major heartbreaking issue for such couples.
Do Not Indulge in These 9 Common Dieting Mistakes
Dieting is not just about eating less or starving yourself to meet unrealistic goals. Healthy dieting involves making informed food choices.
Laryngeal Reiinervation Procedure at KIMS Hospital
Mr. K.P 56-year-old business executive from Bangalore underwent a thyroid surgery two years back.
Learn How Stress Affects Your Heart Health
Stress is a frequent side effect of the modern 21st Century lifestyle. We’re always running around to meet deadlines, pay bills we tend to
Lose Weight: The Healthy Way
Almost everyone we know is worried about the way they look. There are several concerns people have, like their complexion
Myths About Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery – be it the gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries – involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Should You be Worried?
A recent study has found that 1 in 5 people in India suffers from liver disorders. Before you blame it on the increased alcohol consumption
Obesity and its Relation to Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that arises when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin,, hence there is excess glucose in the blood
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a rotator cuff injury that can cause shoulder pain and loss of arm function. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder.
What Happens to Your Body When You Fast?
Fasting has been practised by humans for thousands of years as a way of rejuvenating the mind, body and soul and as a common ritual of many religions from all over the world
Why You Shouldn’t Consume Medicines with Cold Water
There has been a long-raging debate on the temperature of water needed for consuming medications. You won’t find much as in research papers
10 Tasty Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes
Worry about it no more, as a healthy diabetic diet does not have to be bland. Instead, you can enjoy a myriad of flavorful, low-calorie
4 Not So Common Health Problems in Teenagers
The current generation of teenagers have far more access to technology and gadgets than their parents did.
4 Secrets to Adjusting Your Toddler's Sleep Cycle
Most of the parents, some time or the other, may have faced the trouble of making their toddlers sleep at night.
Related Blogs
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,