from the journal Human Factors
We’ve been told repeatedly that sitting for long periods is unhealthy. One new study, reported by the American Cancer Society, links longer sitting during leisure time to higher risks of cancer in women—even after considering body mass index, physical activity and other factors. No such association to cancer and sitting was found in men. The study was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. Instead of sitting, how about standing? Turns out standing for long periods may not be good for our health either. A study in the journal Human Factors notes that prolonged standing while at work, even with regular rest breaks, can result in fatigue, leg cramps and backaches and, over time, this type of sustained muscle fatigue can result in serious long-term muscle and back fatigue.