The World Health Organization now ranks physical inactivity as 4th largest killer globally, behind obesity.
Throughout Canada we continue to sit more at every stage in life; as kids, working adults and
in care homes. In the 1960’s over 50% of us had moderate physical activity incorporated in our
work places, but today that figure is less than 15%.
Modern technology and computer based work has made us more sedentary, though until recently few
questioned that technical advance could be negatively impacting our health.
Furthermore it turns out that even if you are hitting all your physical activity goals but remain
seated 8 or more hours a day you can’t undo the negative effects of too much sitting. Accordingly,
we must create ways for all of us to moving more throughout the day.
In recent years a new kid has emerged on the science block. That kid is called "Sedentary Behavior",
and it’s beginning to get noticed for all the right reasons.
Canadian Workplace and Sitting
Under Canadian workplace law there is no current guidance on how to reduce sitting time in the office.
The Government of Canada’s Labour Program notes that prolonged sitting can result in back pain,
and suggest minor adjustments (screen and keyboard height, etc) to avoid these issues.
But the simple fact is that there is NO correct prolonged sitting position.
Our bodies are designed to stand and move for long periods of time. And we automatically shift
our weight and move around while standing. Standing initiates key physiological processes
and prevents both the repetitive stress and muscle degeneration that is caused by sitting.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (COHS) is the official government agency
responsible for the workplace. Federal regulations were last updated in 2007 with Part XIX of
the COHS call on employers to incorporate ergonomic-related hazards responsible for the
development of MSDs into their legally mandated workplace Hazard Prevention Program.
Typically the act of sitting is rarely viewed as a health and safety concern. When it is considered
the link is limited to Musculoskeletal Disorders (or MSDs) meaning injuries and disorders that
affect the human body's movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments,
nerves, discs, blood vessels.
Dr Stuart Biddle, Professor of Active Living & Public Health, Victoria University, Australia.
"Even if you exercise for at least 30 minutes most days, you are still storing up
health problems from being sedentary too much. The message is clear - move more and sit less"
In January 2015 Public Health England and Active Working C.I.C
(owners of the Get Canada Standing campaign) jointly commissioned an
Expert Statement on the status and impact of prolonged sitting in the office
(Download).
