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Break up sitting with more walks for good health

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Sitting too long daily can be very unhealthy. Recent research shows blood lipid levels are lowered with walking.

The University of Otago reports that the blood lipid levels of office workers are lowered with regular brisk walks and a daily longer walk. Researchers say taking breaks from sitting during the day with regular brisk walks and a daily 30 minute walk significantly decreases blood levels of fatty acids which leads to clogging of the arteries.

There is an association between too much sitting and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and deaths from all causes. It was previously showed by University of Otago researchers that blood glucose and insulin levels of office workers are lowered when they take brisk walks every half hour. It has been shown by the most recent study that there is also a lowering of triglyceride, or lipid levels, with this type of activity. There is an association between high triglyceride levels and hardening of the arteries and other cardiovascular illnesses.

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Study lead author Dr Meredith Peddie says that this study leaves us with an important health message. Clearly the traditional 30 minute period of moderate to vigorous activity is very important. However, it is also clearly very important to limit long periods of sitting with regular periods of activity during the day.

This study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology. A combination of regular activity breaks during the day along with 30 minutes of continuous walking significantly improves insulinemic and lipidemic responses. It’s important to not sit too much for too long during the day. A daily long walk along with shorter walks can lead sustained improved health.

Dr Harold Mandel

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