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Published on: May 04, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Relaxation Of Lockdown Is Not The End Of Corona!

Relaxation of lockdown is not the end of Corona!

It is heartening to see the number of new cases of COVID-19 going down or plateauing almost everywhere in the world. For us Indians, it should be a matter of relief and pride that we have been the nation with the fewest mortality. The government deserves to be thanked and congratulated for prompt cautionary actions. The citizens deserve our applause even more for it is the job of the government to issue orders and instructions, but if they were not followed strictly by the neighborhoods in the villages, towns, and cities, the plan would have failed miserably. Therefore, in this war, everyone has been a valiant soldier so far and should be saluted.

Now that there has been some relaxation in the lockdown, there must be a great sigh of relief. In this euphoric state of regaining your long lost freedom, it is quite possible to lose sight of the harsh reality and take it as the end of the nightmare. The truth, however, is that the pandemic is nowhere near its end and it is hardly the time to be complacent. In fact, now that there is going to be a spate of movements of people between places, new cases of infection are bound to be brought from the badly affected zones to the erstwhile safe zones. A possible second wave of infection is very real. Your safe zone is at fresh risk.

What should you do then? How do you keep yourself and your family safe? How do you protect yourselves? By doing the same things that you have done so well so far. This is no time for daredevilry or adventure. Instead, swallow your pride, be humble, and accept that this tiny enemy called Corona is mightier than all of us fighting together. And that this is one war in which running away from the battlefield to the safety of your home is an act of bravery. Do not go out unnecessarily. Social distancing and hand hygiene remain just as relevant today as they were two months ago. Avoid overcrowding. Sometimes it may seem impossible to stay indoors or even avoid overcrowding. If you are ill, how will you not go out and wait in the crowded waiting room to see a doctor? Think again, is it really necessary? Is there really no alternative? Can you not consult a specialist online from the convenience of your home? Have you tried us at www.secondmedic.com? Do try. We may just have answers to all your questions. Well, maybe not all, but certainly most.

Dr. Vibhash Mishra
Chief Medical Officer Second Medic Inc

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Health Risks of Sedentary Lifestyle: Why Sitting Too Much Can Harm Your Health

Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. With the rise of desk jobs, digital devices and long working hours, many individuals spend a significant portion of their day sitting. While technology and convenience have improved productivity, they have also contributed to reduced physical activity.

Understanding the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle is essential for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining overall wellbeing.

What Is a Sedentary Lifestyle?

A sedentary lifestyle refers to a pattern of behavior characterized by prolonged sitting or inactivity with minimal physical movement.

Common examples include:

Sitting at a desk for long hours
Watching television for extended periods
Spending significant time on computers or smartphones
Limited engagement in physical exercise

When the body remains inactive for long durations, various physiological functions may become impaired.

1. Increased Risk of Obesity

Physical inactivity reduces calorie expenditure.

When calorie intake exceeds the energy burned through activity, excess calories are stored as body fat.

This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic health conditions.

2. Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prolonged sitting has been associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Sedentary behavior may contribute to:

Elevated blood pressure
Increased cholesterol levels
Reduced blood circulation

These factors increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications over time.

3. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels.

A sedentary lifestyle may impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance.

Over time, this can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Poor Metabolic Health

Metabolism refers to the body’s ability to convert food into energy.

Long periods of inactivity may slow metabolic processes and reduce the body’s efficiency in managing glucose and fat levels.

This can contribute to metabolic syndrome.

5. Musculoskeletal Problems

Sitting for extended periods can strain muscles and joints.

Common issues include:

Lower back pain
Neck stiffness
Shoulder discomfort
Poor posture

These problems are particularly common among office workers.

6. Reduced Mental Wellbeing

Physical activity plays a significant role in supporting mental health.

Sedentary behavior may contribute to:

Increased stress levels
Reduced mood
Lower energy levels

Regular movement helps improve mental wellbeing.

7. Increased Risk of Premature Mortality

Studies have shown that prolonged inactivity may increase the risk of early death due to chronic diseases.

Maintaining an active lifestyle significantly improves long-term health outcomes.

Sedentary Lifestyle in the Indian Context

Urbanization and technological advancements have led to more sedentary work environments in India.

Long commuting hours, desk-based professions and digital entertainment have reduced physical activity levels for many individuals.

As a result, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease have increased significantly in recent years.

Public health initiatives now emphasize the importance of regular physical activity to counter these trends.

How to Reduce Sedentary Behavior

Take Frequent Movement Breaks

Stand up and stretch every 30–60 minutes during work.

Incorporate Walking into Daily Routine

Short walks during breaks can improve circulation and energy levels.

Use Active Workstations

Standing desks or adjustable workstations encourage movement.

Exercise Regularly

Engage in moderate physical activity such as walking, cycling or yoga.

Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Limit Screen Time

Reducing recreational screen time encourages more active habits.

Benefits of an Active Lifestyle

Increasing daily physical activity provides several health benefits:

Improved cardiovascular health
Better weight management
Enhanced mental wellbeing
Stronger muscles and bones
Improved metabolic function

Even small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference over time.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent back pain
Unexplained weight gain
Chronic fatigue
Signs of metabolic disorders

Early intervention can help manage health risks effectively.

Conclusion

A sedentary lifestyle may significantly impact physical and mental health. Prolonged sitting and lack of movement increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems.

Adopting an active lifestyle that includes regular movement, exercise and healthy habits is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing.

Simple changes such as standing frequently, walking regularly and engaging in physical activity can greatly reduce the health risks associated with sedentary behavior.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to support long-term health and prevent chronic disease.

References

World Health Organization – Physical Activity Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research – Lifestyle Disease Reports
National Family Health Survey – Health and Lifestyle Data
Lancet Global Health – Sedentary Behavior Research
Journal of Preventive Medicine – Physical Activity Studies

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