The Health & Science section of the Sacramento Bee ran an article on the question of whether standing at work was healthier than sitting (Michael Rosenwald,  Washington Post .)  Is seems that many people are changing their work environments to be able to stand rather than sit while working at the office.  Mentioned in the article were some interesting statistics showing higher rates of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and death among people who sit for long stretches.  Over the period studied those who sat for more than six hours a day were 18% more likely to die than those who sat for less than 3 hours a day.  That is quite a big difference.

It is a good article, but the main insight is summed up in the last sentence of the article - "the key is movement, not standing."  It is true; your body is not designed to be stationary.  It is designed to move.  Many basic metabolic processes are dependent upon us being upright and moving.  Blood flow, lymphatic drainage, hormone balance, blood sugar control, mental processing, and so on are all heavily influenced by movement. 

One point not mentioned by the article is that in terms of body shape, some people are more comfortable sitting and others standing.  Those of us with long torsos and short legs are more comfortable standing while those with short torsos and long legs are generally more comfortable sitting, just because of the amount of weight supported on the low back.  In either case, sitting or standing without movement is a bad idea.  Those who stand want to keep moving around.  Those who sit would do well to spend several ½ hour sessions on a therapy ball balancing and moving around while working plus getting up regularly to get in more movement. 

My comment is that there is not a "right" position that works for everyone.  What we do know is that our bodies need movement.  Our goal is to adapt to our situation and figure out how to get our needs met in the way that works best for us.  Frequent movement is one of those needs.

 

 

david@fairoakshealth.com

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About Dr. DeLapp

Dr. DeLapp has been a philosopher, non-force Chiropractor, medical intuitive, and health innovator for over 30 years.  He began experimenting with  medical intuition in 1972 while studying physics at UC Davis.  In addition to physics he designed and completed an individual major in the philosophy and psychology of education.  Shortly after he choose to pursue a career in the only truly health oriented profession available at that time, Chiropractic.  He graduated with honors in 1981 with his doctorate and opened a private practice. 
Since that time he has continued his research into the effects of consciousness and learning on health. 
He developed the Biomagnetic Retraining system for correcting movement abnormalities. 
Since 1991 he has focused on developing a powerful system for uncovering and assisting the mind-body connection in health and personal growth.  The in-depth coaching, guided by the subconscious direction from the body, is called Heartflow and the simpler mind-body retraining for health and unfoldment he has named Gracework.  Both are available at Fair Oaks Health.

Dr David DeLapp DC
Chiropractor

Ellen Flowers FGM
Spiritual Life Coach

 

Somatic Therapies

 

Lorena Morales