Sedentarism
The Hidden Risks of Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Disease
Hello, everyone. I am Dr. Milagros, and I would like to share some critical insights from my latest research on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. In our modern world, where desk jobs and screen time dominate, a silent epidemic is brewing: sedentarism.
Spending long hours inactive, often in front of a computer, is not just a harmless lifestyle choice; it is a significant risk factor for developing severe health conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). I want to shed light on this critical issue and underscore the essential role of physical therapists (PTs) in prevention and management.
Sedentary Lifestyle, a Health Alarm
Did you know that the average American adult spends over 7 hours a day in sedentary behavior?
Did you also know that exercising one hour a day does not mean you do not have a sedentary life, especially if you have a desk job or spend hours seated during leisure? (Patterson et al., 2018; Katzmarzyk et al., 2019).
This leads to increased risks of CVDs, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality (Park et al., 2020).
(Patterson et al., 2018)
The prevalence of OA, a painful joint disorder, has surged by 114.5% in the last 30 years, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the US alone (Long et al., 2022; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023b).
CVDs remain the leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually (World Health Organization, 2024). In the US, nearly 805,000 individuals suffer heart attacks every year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023a). Sedentary behavior exacerbates these risks, creating a vicious cycle of declining health.
Role of Physical Therapists
PTs are crucial in combating these conditions. Their interventions include personalized exercise programs, patient education, and continuous progress monitoring (American Physical Therapy Association, 2023). By addressing sedentary lifestyles, PTs help reduce the incidence of OA and CVD, promoting a preventative approach to health.
For these reasons, I have developed an innovative wellness program that focuses on prevention through comprehensive assessments, personalized exercise plans, and continuous progress measurement. It emphasizes muscle strengthening, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional mobility, and grip strength to combat sedentarism and its associated health risks (Attia & Gifford, 2023; Franklin et al., 2022; Wen et al., 2017).
Your Takeaway
Sedentarism is more than just a lack of movement; it is a gateway to chronic diseases that can significantly impact quality of life. Through proactive measures and the support of PTs, we can address these risks head-on, fostering healthier, more active communities. For more information on how to combat sedentarism and improve your health, consider exploring one of my Wellness Sessions here at Tactica Physical Therapy & Wellness.
Join me in the fight against sedentarism and take the first step towards a healthier life today!