Sitting is said to be the new smoking. This is based on various studies and medical research which support the claim that sitting can cause various adverse effects to health. A sedentary lifestyle must be avoided to ensure that you live a healthier life and create a more productive work experience. Today's technology plays a significant role in helping individuals to stay active and keep themselves productive at work. We should be thankful for the cutting-edge technology – equipment, tools, accessories, programs, etc.- that are available to help us battle against a sedentary lifestyle.
Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle
Living a sedentary lifestyle is now becoming a significant public issue. It is becoming a widespread problem that is linked to various types of chronic health conditions. Sitting for long hours can cause metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Not only that, but it can also cause cardiovascular diseases and posture-related such problems as having back pain and neck pain. The effects of a sedentary lifestyle also lead to lesser productivity of workers and an increase in expenses for medical purposes.
Experts recommend implementing solutions to alleviate the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. These solutions include promoting physical activities, utilizing tools and equipment to stay healthy, and reducing the number of hours sitting.
How Technology is Promoting a Healthier and More Active Lifestyle
The research entitled, "Emerging Technology Applications to Promote Physical Activity and Health," states that technology has a significant impact in combating a sedentary lifestyle.
"Emerging technology plays a complex role in sedentary behaviour—very much like a double-edged sword. On one side, some emerging technologies (e.g., sedentary video games and computer games) have contributed to the epidemic of sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity. On the other side, other innovative technologies have been increasingly utilized to promote physical activity (PA) and health. For example, newly emerging technologies such as mobile device applications, health wearable devices, and active video games have been adopted to promote health. As technology becomes an ever more prevalent part of everyday life and population-based health programs seek new ways to increase lifelong engagement with PA, so the two have become increasingly linked."
Most medical experts advise us always to have a healthy lifestyle. We need to eat healthy foods, keep ourselves hydrated, and avoid unhealthy habits. They also stress the importance of keeping an active lifestyle.
It is excellent to know that workplaces are encouraging employees today to be more active and healthier at work. Some companies are implementing some programs such as the following:
- promoting an ergonomic workstation
- using equipment and tools such as standing desks and ergonomic chair
- holding regular team building activities
- giving office workers sports watches to keep them fit and healthy
- incorporating gyms in the company building
- utilizing of wearable devices and mobile apps
All the advantages mentioned above have shown a remarkable change to individuals who consider these tips. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is still the best way to prevent its adverse effects. Nowadays, there is no excuse for us not to be aware of our health and the risks we can have if we keep living a sedentary lifestyle. The power of technology can aid us to promote physical activities and monitor the status of our health. There are smartwatches, fitness trackers, and phone apps that can monitor your heart rate and even the number of steps you've taken in a day. Wearable technology is a big trend today because they are convenient and reliable in providing benefits to us.
Common Technology and Tools To Help Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle
We must be aware of the common technologies that we can use in fighting a sedentary lifestyle. They can be used at home, at work, and other daily activities.
Below are some of the tools and equipment that will help combat a sedentary lifestyle, keeping us active and healthy at work and at home.
#1 Treadmills. There are several types of treadmills that we can see today. There are those that we can use at gyms and recreation facilities. They help individuals to burn fats to shed off some pounds. In the workplace, there are also walking treadmills that help employees to stay active while they are working. A treadmill can also be placed under your desk, so you can use it while seated and doing your desk tasks.
#2 Standing Desk. Standing desks, sit-stand desks, and height-adjustable desks are some of the most important items that an office must-have.
Sliding Standing Desk Converter
Features:
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING DESK
- SIMPLE: Assembles in less than 15 minutes
- EASY TO USE: Change height from sitting to standing by merely releasing and re-applying the locking mechanism
- Height adjustment with the simple sliding "lift and lock" mechanism
- Available in cherry wood coloured laminate
- Works with your laptop, or with a separate monitor mount.
ErgoSpring Standing Desk Converter-Extra Wide
Features:
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING DESK!!!
- SIMPLE: Assembles in less than 10 minutes!
- EASY TO USE: Change height from sitting to standing with the NEW smooth effortlessly Gas-Spring technology!
- Height adjustment with the new Gas Spring technology lets you go from desk level to 19.75".
- Holds up to 33lbs, Two monitors or a laptop a, along with space for your mouse, a tablet slot, and a slot to hide your cables.
Anthrodesk's Programmable Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk
Features:
- POWERFUL LIFT SYSTEM: Dual motor design for smoother, quieter operation, longer life, and greater desk weight capacity (up to 300 lbs)
- ADAPTS TO YOUR NEEDS: Width adjustable to fit a range of desktops.
- PROGRAMMABLE: Two programmable presets to store your perfect height, plus a home button for a standard sitting position.
- REVERSIBLE TABLE TOPS: Choose your favourite colour on our Black/Mahogany and White/Maple tops.
- VENEER TABLE TOPS: Choose a real wood veneer top (Textured Grain Oak Veneer, or Smooth Black Walnut Veneer).
Anthrodesk's Programmable Single Motor Electric Standing Desk
Features:
- Width is adjusted by a telescopic mechanism.
- A quiet electric motor adjusts height
- Powerful, yet quiet electric motors lift the desk to any height you want for maximum health and productivity.
- AUTOMATIC AND AFFORDABLE: Go from sitting to standing in seconds with the push of a button!
- ADAPTS TO YOUR NEEDS: Width adjustable to fit a range of desktops.
- PROGRAMMABLE: Four programmable presets to store your perfect height
- REVERSIBLE LAMINATE TABLE TOPS: Choose your favourite colour from our Black/Mahogany or White/Maple Tops options.
- VENEER TABLE TOPS: Choose a real wood veneer top (Textured Grain Oak Veneer, or Smooth Black Walnut Veneer).
#3 Desk Converter. A desk converter is a device attached to either a new or existing desk. This also helps in fighting a sedentary lifestyle because this allows a person to alternate between standing and sitting.
#4 Wearable Gadgets. As previously mentioned, wearable gadgets are becoming a trend nowadays, especially for health. Examples are fitness trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets that can remind you when you have to take breaks.
Taking care of one's health can be challenging sometimes. This is why using technology and tools that can help us to combat the risks of living a sedentary lifestyle. It is also vital to be updated with the details on what are the new tools that can help the world to stay healthy and active.
