Educate: Learn About Ergonomics 

Do You Have Sitting Disease? Take a Stand!

A new concept in office ergonomics is the value of standing periodically while one continues to work. Watch this interview as Dr. Marc Hamilton, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences for the University of Missouri-Columbia, discusses the conclusions of the latest ergonomics research.

Video “Stand Up For Your Health” (@ ScienceDaily.com)

Studies find a strong correlation between long periods of sitting and elevated risk of mortality; experts call this “sitting disease.” Surprisingly, this risk is shared by people who otherwise lead active lifestyles—those who comply with guidelines recommending a half-hour of physical activity a day and whose BMI are in the normal range.

See this handy infographic (@ JustStand.org) for a quick and clear understanding of this issue, or read these results (PDF) published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Why Stand?

• Expend more calories—see the difference
• Increase overall energy for better mental focus
• Relieve bodily stress caused by sitting

Switching between sitting and standing offers the body movement. And movement is the key to computing comfort. Why? One reason is likely because motion facilitates blood flow to carry oxygen and nutrients to joints and tissues so we stay energized while working. This is especially true when using large muscle groups, like those involved in standing.

So, when creating your workspace, use equipment that allows you to change positions as you continue working. Adjustable products are ideal.

In a Nutshell... Sit when you want. Stand when you’re able. Move when you can.