Gabrielle Shaffer

Are You Getting Physical Enough?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average adult should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week. And on two or more days a week, they should be participating in muscle-strengthening activities that work the entire body. However, surveys have shown that only 10-12% of adults are getting this recommended exercise. 10-12%, that￢ﾀﾙs it?
Given that we have 10,080 minutes every week, it seems impossible to not devote just 150 minutes for some fun exercise. Unfortunately, the research shows that it is possible, and inactivity is becoming the new not-so-healthy craze. Many of us would much rather sit on the couch, vegging out and watching TV, than go on a walk or hike with friends and family.
And this inactivity is costing workplaces MILLIONS upon millions of dollars. Now that just doesn￢ﾀﾙt seem like a reasonable cost to us. Companies need to start focusing on getting their employees up and moving. So employers, stay tuned for some tips on how to get your employees up and out of their chair!

How Much Does Obesity Really Cost Us?
One of the most common diseases related to inactivity is obesity. 68% of adults are now considered overweight. Obesity is not only dangerous to your employees' health, but it is also dangerous to your company￢ﾀﾙs finances. Obesity alone costs U.S. employers an estimated $73.1 billion a year. To us, that number isn￢ﾀﾙt worth letting slide by on our company￢ﾀﾙs budget. And to think this is an easily preventable disease!  
Obesity leads to further injuries and health problems that can wind up costing your company EVEN MORE. If we were you, we￢ﾀﾙd stop the unnecessary spending before it gets worse. Get your workers moving and help motivate them to lose the extra weight they may have. It really is a win-win for everyone. (And to see even more shocking numbers on how much inactivity costs, check out our research paper "Reducing Levels of Inactivity in the Workplace".)

Inactivity: How it Hurts
Inactivity leads to more diseases and injuries than obesity alone. You may be surprised to find out how bad you can be harming yourself or your employees by sitting behind a desk all day. Not only does it lead to different diseases and injuries, but it can also shorten your lifespan and lead to death at an early age.
Some diseases inactivity leads to are:


Obesity


Heart Disease


Diabetes


Cancers


High Blood Pressure


Lipid Disorders


Depression


Anxiety


Osteoporosis


Inactivity can also cause injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders, such as low back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and tendinitis, and muscle atrophy, which is a decrease in muscle mass. People who are inactive are more prone to getting injured once they become active, since their bodies are not used to the movements they are now doing. When you are inactive, even something as simple as gardening, or bending over to pick up a dropped item can leave you injured and in pain for days, if not weeks.

How to Get Yourself and Your Employees Up and Moving!
Did you know that with just one hour of brisk walking a day, you can reduce your risk for obesity by 24%? That seems worth it, don't you think? Here are some other ways to get you and your employees spending less time in the chair and more time working on your health:


Try to schedule more meetings in person instead of via phone call or email. This will get everyone out of their chairs, even if it￢ﾀﾙs just walking down the hall.


Move printers and copy machines out of hands reach. That way you have to actually get up to get the documents that you need.


Encourage employees to take the stairs if possible. A couple flights won￢ﾀﾙt hurt!


Give out pamphlets with some exercises your employees can do right behind the desk. For a list of fun exercises and stretches, check out our blog posts, " 'Get Vertical' for National Chiropractic Health Month" and "September is National Yoga Month".


Enlist in the help of a wellness program that can work for you. Find one that will help to motivate your employees and keep them actively engaged in their new healthy activities. 







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Best of luck creating happier and healthier employees. If you￢ﾀﾙd like our help and want to know how our program can work for you, or just want some additional tips and tricks for creating a healthier work environment, contact us at any time!
Sources: American Heart Association , Pacific Standard, Center for Disease Control,  World Health Organization
http://blog.voomwell.com/blog/bid/345184/The-Skinny-on-Inactivity