ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 6, the American Diabetes Association will host the inaugural "Get Fit Don't Sit" Day to get people up and moving as research indicates that changing our sedentary habits is one of the most effective ways to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A recent analysis published January 2015 in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to a 91 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The culprit is the eight to 13 hours a day we work uninterrupted at our desks, socialize on our computers, watch television and drive our vehicles. Those who exercise see slightly less risk, says Alter, but exercise does not eliminate the impacts of prolonged sitting. Bottom line: sitting for hours every day creates serious health risks.
According to the Association's Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2015: "Evidence supports that all individuals … should break up extended sedentary time at least every 90 minutes."
The solution: get out of your chair, stand and reach, stretch at the printer, refill your water bottle at the cooler down the hall, walk at lunch — every 90 minutes get your body moving.
"Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes®," said Janel Wright, JD, Board Chair for the Association. "If we prevent these cases from ever developing by implementing simple changes in our work and lifestyle that will benefit millions and save billions in healthcare costs."
"On May 6, 2015, to show our commitment to this important lifestyle change we are partnering with more than 200 companies, businesses and industry leaders who understand that the health of their employees is vital," said Ms. Wright. "We are particularly pleased that Ergotron, which manufactures stand-up workstations, is joining us in this effort."
"Research continues to show that maintaining a more active lifestyle helps combat serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and poor circulation, yet many work settings offer few alternatives to a sedentary existence," says Carrie Schmitz, market research manager, Ergotron. "By introducing simple modifications to the workplace organizations can create more active environments that are more productive and healthier for their employees."
Join us for "Get Fit Don't Sit" Day:
Register to receive your free toolkit of suggestions for how to get moving in the workplace, posters and many other healthy recommendations. Share how you and your company are taking action in the work place, post a photo of yourself tying on tennis shoes in work attire and post to Twitter at: #GetFitDontSit and the Association's Facebook page.
American Diabetes Association Spokespeople for "Get Fit Don't Sit" Day:
For in-studio, phone-in and print interviews contact: Cathy Corwin, [email protected], 781-966-4100
Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM
Dr. Sheri Colberg is professor of Exercise Science at Old Dominion University, adjunct professor of Internal Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and executive director of the Lifelong Exercise. She conducts clinical research in diabetes, exercise, aging and healthy lifestyles with funding from the American Diabetes Association, the National Institutes of Health and others. She has authored 10 books and over 250 articles on physical activity, diabetes, healthy lifestyles and nutrition. She brings a personal perspective to her work as she leads an active lifestyle with type 1 diabetes.
Ryan Reed, NASCAR race car driver and diabetes ambassador
In 2010, Ryan Reed became the youngest winner at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in the Super Late Model Division. But diagnosed in 2011 with type 1 diabetes, he was told he would never race again. Unstoppable, Reed engaged medical specialists and implemented a strict diet, exercise program and new technologies so he can monitor and maintain his health from his cockpit. Reed speaks eloquently of the importance of choosing the gym, a run and other active measures when the body feels tired and lacks energy. In 2013, Reed and Roush Fenway partnered with the American Diabetes Association's Drive to Stop Diabetes and Lilly Diabetes so Reed could compete full time in the 2014 NXS. In 2015, Reed won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
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SOURCE American Diabetes Association
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