Dr. Jerry Angira: Social media the greatest contributors of inactive lifestyle, health concerns
Sitting down or lying too much on your back while concentrating on your gadgets or watching movies is bad for your health.
The advancement of technology and sometimes sitting for long hours have brought about a significant shift in the way people lead their lives, with increased sedentary behavior taking center stage.
Sedentary behavior is a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down, with very little to no exercise.
In a recent interview with Dr. Jerry Wasena Angira, Chief Orthopedics Surgeon and Pain Specialist at St. Peters Orthopedics and Surgical Specialty Center, the importance of physical exercise was highlighted in light of the contemporary lifestyle dominated by extended periods of sitting and reduced physical activity.
While technological progress has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, he says it has also contributed to the decline in overall movement and physical engagement.
A significant portion of the population now finds themselves spending prolonged hours in seated positions due to remote work, online entertainment, and extensive use of devices.
Dr. Angira drew attention to the alarming consequences of this sedentary lifestyle, emphasizing that physical inactivity ranks as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, accounting for over 3.2 million deaths annually.
The repercussions extend beyond mortality, as those who engage in extended periods of sitting face a staggering 147% higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
A concerning statistic emerged from recent studies conducted by Thrive my Way, revealing that more than 80% of current jobs involve extended sitting at desks.
This phenomenon is not confined to workplaces, as 34% of women and 50% of men spend over 75% of their working hours seated.
These patterns are prevalent both in traditional office settings and in the remote work environment, which became more prevalent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He adds that leisure time has also been significantly impacted by the allure of digital entertainment.
People worldwide spend an average of 2 hours and 31 minutes each day consuming content on social media platforms, streaming services, and other online sources.
Entertainment-driven activities like binge-watching series or scrolling through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have inadvertently contributed to the sedentary trend.
The ramifications of this lifestyle are far-reaching, encompassing joint and back pain, obesity, and related health issues.
Prolonged sitting can lead to hip and back pain due to the shortening of the hip flexor muscles and improper spinal alignment.
Weight gain and obesity are also linked to sedentary behavior, as slowed digestion leads to the consumption of more calories than can be expended.
Dr. Angira emphasized that individuals must take proactive steps to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
He recommended incorporating more physical activity into daily routines, even amidst busy schedules.
Innovative strategies such as incorporating walking meetings and setting reminders to move throughout the day can significantly contribute to breaking the cycle of extended sitting.