SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
going without use for hours. Studies are
finding that although a regular workout
routine helps, it won’t combat the constant
weight on your rump. Although some
offices are moving toward healthier
options, such as convertible stand up/
sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you
have the skill to think and walk at the same
time), most of us have to face our chairs
every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative
effects, such as stiffness and poor
circulation, of constant sitting:
• Get up and move! If you find yourself
sitting for extended periods of time, you
need to break the habit. Schedule an
alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and
take a lap around your office. Manage
your time effectively by going to pick up
your paper from the printer or grabbing
a glass of water. Even better? Visit a co-
worker to talk about a project instead of
sending an email.
• Establish proper sitting habits. Keep
your back straight, feet at 90 degrees, and
eyes level with the top of your computer
screen. Make sure your shoulders aren’t
hunched when resting your elbows on
your desk to type.
• Stretch in place. Adding stretching
to your daily routine is beneficial for
anyone. Stand up and do a few stretches
at your desk to get your muscles
loosened up and moving. Feeling
spunky? Add a few jumping jacks in to
get your heart rate pumping for some
extra energy.
• Realize how much sitting you do.
Sitting for eight hours at your job has
negative effects on your body, but going
home and sitting on the couch for the
rest of the night doubles those effects,
increasing cause for concern. If you have
HEALTH & WELLNESS
a sedentary job, make a point of taking
a walk when you get home or spend
some time on your feet with your kids
or at the gym. Keeping active during
breaks and on the weekends will help
combat negative effects from the
workweek.
HEART HEALTH—SKIP THE
SUGAR!
Heart disease is the number-one
killer of all Americans, but awareness of
the disease and its causes has allowed
for a decrease in the number of deaths
associated with it in recent years. Eating
well and exercising are obvious ways
to prevent the onset of heart disease,
but a recent study by the Journal of the
American College of Cardiology looks
at another culprit that has damaging
effects on your heart: sugar (fructose).
According to the study, one to two
servings of sugary drinks per day raises
a person’s risk of heart disease by 35
percent.
It is important to be cognizant of sugar
intake, as it can often sneak into your diet
unnoticed. Men should only consume
about 37.5 grams of added sugar (think
coffee drinks, sodas, yeast breads, cereals,
fruit drinks) per day, while women
should stay around 25 grams. Starting
out the day with a latte, frozen beverage,
or soda could add anywhere from 20
to 63 grams of sugar in just 12 ounces!
Make sure to stop and think before you
consume added sugar for the sake of your
heart health because sugar isn’t as sweet
as it seems.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
After hours of physical abuse from
constant pounding and tapping, your
feet deserve a break! Feet take a constant
beating every day and we often blame
foot pain on a long day on our feet or
shoes with poor support, but foot pain
may be caused by other problems in your
body that shouldn’t be ignored.
Keep tabs on your feet by:
• examining them regularly
• wearing comfortable shoes that fit
properly and offer plenty of support
• keeping your toenails trimmed straight
across
• allowing your feet to air out after being
in shoes.
Talk to your doctor if you are
experiencing:
• joint stiffness
• tingling or numbness
• swelling
• discoloration or bruising
• inability or limiting of physical tasks
due to foot pain. ■
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR
❘
WINTER 2019
27