Sedentary Lifestyle

What is a sedentary lifestyle? Sedentary lifestyle is a type of lifestyle most commonly found in modern (particularly Western) cultures. It is characterized by sitting or remaining inactive for most of the day (for example, in an office or at home). It is believed to be a factor in obesity and other disorders, primarily heart disease ( Sedentary lifestyle can also be defined as a lifestyle of inactivity in which a person fails to participate in at least 20 consecutive minutes of exercise 3 times per week.

What Are The Problems (Cons)? Health Sedentary Lifestyle is one of the 10 leading causes of death and disabilities in the world! Lack of physical activity doubles the risk for: –Cardiovascular disease –Type 2 diabetes –Obesity –High blood pressure –Osteoporosis –Colon and breast cancer

Problems (Cons) Continued Statistics show that due to physical inactivity, different chronic illnesses are on the rise. –12.6 million people have coronary heart disease –1.1 million suffer from a heart attack in a given year –17 million have diabetes (90-95% have type II which is associated with obesity an inactivity. –107 thousand people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year –50 million people have high blood pressure –More than 108 million adults are obese or overweight.

The Positive Side People can meet with less focus on physical appearance and more on personality. With online shopping and delivery services, people with limited means of transportation or mobility can be more independent. Life is much more convenient.

Impacts On Rec and Leisure Services In today’s society the sedentary lifestyle is becoming more common. Since recreation is about getting out and participating, many recreation centers are being hurt from lack of participation. –Camps and Rec centers loose funding –Community support is not there –Loss of recreation job opportunities

Impacts Continued Focus has to be shifted to a more sedentary style of Rec and leisure. –Online gaming tournaments –Cyber cafés –Movies –Nap Centers

Solutions Fitness Centers –YMCA –Gold’s Gym –MAC, FAC, GNAC

Solutions Continued Recreation Centers –Campus Recreation –County Recreation –Outdoor Recreation –Intramurals –Sports Leagues (baseball, softballk, basketball, masters swim…)

Solutions Continued Organized Endurance Events –Start small –Raise money for a good cause –Sparks an interest –CMM –Incorporate Other Activities

Lifestyle Challenge In What ways has our lifestyle become more sedentary in your lifetime? Any Ideas

Some Ideas

Lifestyle Challenge Take 1 minute and write down ways to make your lifestyle less sedentary. Examples Take the stairs instead of the elevator Use a push mower to mow the lawn. How many ways did you come up with?

Lifestyle Challenge How can we keep the convenience of a sedentary lifestyle but remain active and healthy? What will our lifestyles be like in 20 years?

References WH/r.WSIHW000http://womenswealth.atena.com/WH/iht/ WH/r.WSIHW000 icalactivity/index.shtmlhttp://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/phys icalactivity/index.shtml