Is sitting at your desk Killing you??

It is now widely acknowledged by most ergonomist and health care specialist who take the time to truly think outside the box that people who sit longer than 6 hours a day are more likely to experience health issues that other workers with more physical jobs.
Some of the surprising health risks that arise from sitting at a desk are:
1. Increased Diabetes risk that is due tio stressful environment that raise heart attacks by a whopping 88%, but those who sit at a desk also have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes, most likely due lack of movement/activity resulting in excessive weight gain. Throw in those morning donuts and bear claws and were really talking weight gain. Solution: take a short break every hour or so to include movement..a short walk to get some water or a quick walk to the elevator etc..
2. Hip and spine misalignment that is due to a females wide hip sockets, putting more pressure on hips and knees which can lead to weakness, tendinitis and more. Solution: adjust your chair so as you sit more upright with the legs and back at a 90 degree angle. Also, any and all stretches that involve the spine, Yoga stretches are great also. Additionally, periodic spinal adjustments are extremely helpful to relieve hip and spine pain due to extended sitting as Dr. Blakely has been treating for 30 years in his Mission Valley office.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of repetitive use of the flexor tendons of the wrist, commonly used in typing or keying on a computer. This activity can result in the entrapment of the Median nerve which travels through this " tunnel" and into the hand. When trapped it can cause pain and numbness into the hand. Solution: wearing wrist braces and giving yourself frequent breaks to stretch the wrist can help. Some pseudo CTS can arise from pinched nerves in the neck, a condition chiropractic will help.
4. Weight gain. 61% of Americans snack at their desk,which add up to plenty of extra calories.
Solution: Make wise food choice's to help keep you full so you avoid snacking. If you feel hungry get up and move around, drink water or chew sugar free gum to see if it goes away.If you must snack eat some nuts or seasonal fruit/ vegetables.
5. Dry Eyes. Eyes are not meant to keep focusing and moving repeatedly across a computer screen says Dr. Jeffery Anshel, an eye expert. Prevention: Practice the 20-20 rule. When your eyes are focused on an object in the distance, they're meeting optical infinity in which eyes are totally at rest. For 20 seconds every 20 minutes, take a break and look 20 feet away. Also, blink more to assist in lubricating the eye.
6. Varicose Veins. Sitting for long periods of time result in blood pooling in the lower extremities resulting in varicose or spider veins - conditions that affect 50% of women. Solution; again, movement can help reduce the formation of varicose veins by continual pressure to move blood along, also tights containing a large amount of Lycra will help compress the legs.
Along the same line of thought please go to our UTUBE video under www.missionvillagechiropractic.com to view a helpful video on the proper eye to screen height to avoid neck strain, neck pain and future Dowager hump disfiguration.
If you would like to speak to me regarding any of the above noted symptoms, and if chiropractic can help you, please call our office for a free consultation.