You Don’t Have to Sit Down to Read This!

‘For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking.’

-Martha Grogan, Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic.

Scary stuff isn’t it? But the good news is, cost-effective sit-stand desks and sit-stand mounts means you don’t have to sit down to read this, or anything else on your computer. As the above quote shows, extensive medical research has proven that there are many health risks associated with sitting down at a desk for long periods of time.

One of the most essential parts of any modern office is a computer, whether it be a desktop or a laptop. Computers play such an important part in our everyday life, so it isn’t difficult to see why there is an increase in the problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. From virtual conferences, on-line research, database updates and electronic form completion, much of what we do all-day revolves around sitting at a desk and typing away at a keyboard (or using a touch-screen).

Sit-stand solutions allow you to lead a healthier lifestyle without compromising on your productivity. In fact, sit-stand desks and monitor mounts actually increase productivity and it’s not difficult to see why.

The health problems caused by sitting

Health problems caused by sitting at a desk for long periods include bad backs, neck pain, wrist problems, bad posture and a detrimental effect on circulation and the condition of the heart. Dr James Levine, of JustStand.org (previosly mentioned in our blog says: “Because we’ve become so used to being seated… we’ve failed to realise that this is a major health concern”.

If you run a business, it doesn’t take a genius to see how having employees sitting for long periods of time at desks is going to harm your business in the long-run. The above list of complaints is likely to lead to sick days, meaning your business is losing money. If your staff are uncomfortable or feeling unwell at work, their productivity is going to dip and all because your employees are spending too long at their desks.

The health benefits of standing

The American Medical Association (AMA) have published a policy stating that companies should offer a standing alternative to sitting at desks. Standing for short periods of time has the same effect on your body as exercise. It burns calories, improves your posture and tones muscles. Sitting down for long periods of time decreases your blood flow and slows down your metabolism. A slow metabolism can lead to high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes. It can also lead to high blood pressure. Standing up can actually improve your blood pressure and help your body maintain a higher metabolism.

But that’s not to say you should replace sitting for long periods of time with doing the same with standing. Medical research shows that a combination of both sitting and standing together with moving around are what is best for office workers. That is why sit-stand products are the best option to go for when improving your office environment.

Why sit-stand solutions are best

The universities of Leicester and Loughborough in the UK carried out a study in 2012, which showed that sitting for long periods increased the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Professor Stuart Biddle, from Loughborough University said, ‘There are many ways we can reduce our sitting time, such as breaking up long periods at the computer at work by placing our laptop on a filing cabinet.’ But you can’t adjust the height of a filing cabinet so it is in the perfect position for you. You also can’t use a filing cabinet as a sitting desk when you want that option. The right sit-stand desk or sit-stand mount will give you the flexibility to create the perfect workstation for your needs.

Some of you may be thinking, ‘why use a sit-stand desk?’ ‘Why not just save money and buy a standing desk?’ Well, some employees will be unable to, or unwilling to stand for long periods of time. A sit-stand desk or mount provides the flexibility to sit or stand for short periods of time.

Products
By giving employees the option of standing to do their work, it encourages them to walk around and engage with other staff members in the office environment, encouraging collaboration and increasing productivity. Here at Radius Office, we stock products by the leading international sit-stand office furniture companies, providing you with an extensive range of finishes and styles so you can choose the right product for your needs.

Ergotron are pioneers in the field of sit-stand office furniture and we stock a wide range of their patented WorkFit designs. We also stock products from established brands including this Solo Leap ergonomic sit-stand electric desk, height-adjustable and available in a range of widths.

So don’t just sit there, get up and stand and give your body a chance to survive those long hours spent in the office.