Learn about the association between sitting all day and your circulation and what you can do to keep your blood flowing while you sit.
If you spend a good amount of your day sitting, you’re not the only one: more than half of Americans spend over six hours sitting down every day. While it may seem like you’re doing nothing, you’re actually having a major impact on your health. The following are three different ways in which sitting all day is affecting your circulation and heart health and what you can do to protect yourself.
Heart Disease
According to one study, men who spend more than 23 hours watching television per week may be increasing their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 64%. In addition, experts say that those who sit more are increasing their risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke by 147%.
Varicose Veins
In addition to affecting your heart health, sitting all day can cause blood to pool in your legs and lead to varicose veins. While these veins are not necessarily harmful, many people find them unattractive. However, in rare cases, they may result in blood clots.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a blood clot that is commonly found in the legs and it can lead to more serious conditions like a pulmonary embolism. Sitting for too many hours, whether it’s at home or on a trip, can cause DVT, so it’s important that you move around.
Increasing Circulation While Sitting
One of the most effective things you can do to prevent these conditions is to be more physically active and not sit all day. However, if you have to sit for hours due to your job or a trip, there are exercises you can do to improve your circulation.
For example, you can rotate your ankles one way and then the other or do some foot pumps by raising your heels off the floor as high as you can. You should also avoid crossing your legs and sitting for more than four hours in one stretch.
In addition to exercises while sitting down, you should be regularly participating in aerobic activities to get your blood flowing. Lastly, if you must sit down, consider putting your feet up to avoid swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs.
The Outlook
Sitting all day long is not good for your health, even if it feels comfortable. Make sure you’re moving around throughout the day and are working on your cardio fitness. By doing so, you’ll be improving your circulation and heart health.
If you’re looking for additional ways to boost your health, then take a supplement like Circulation Boost. Its ingredients promote circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. Give your circulation the support it deserves by moving about and taking Circulation Boost.