Page 15 - Don’t worry – Be healthy

Dr Breithecker, statistics show an increasing number of people suf- fering from obesity, whilst offices represent the main environment in which people live a sedentary life. In your opinion, which are the main factors on which we should work to fight this?
D.B. _ Yes indeed, “sitting is killing you!”.
A vast amount of evidence has been published on the links between sedentary behavior and the leading causes of morbidity (cardiovascu- lar disease, diabetes and some cancers) and mortality regardless of any benefits from physical activity in leisure time. One cannot blame it only on the chair. The main risk factor is inactivity. Due to prolonged sitting on rigid chairs, we stop contracting the antigravity muscles. Yet, particular muscular contractions are the secret of success that trigger positive physical-mental-emotional interaction functions.
The fibrous tissues form a major organ system, which communicates with all the organs of the body including the brain. Once muscle fibers begin to move, signaling molecules are constantly released (proteins, enzymes, hormones) that influence the metabolism throughout the body positively. So get workers to stand and/or move more frequently. Our main goal has to be: Less confinement to the desks - integrate
movement into your daily routine! Sit a maximun of six (better 4 hours), the rest of the working day you should stand and ambulate.
How much does well-being in the office depend on physical characteristics and quality of the space and how much does it relate to the good interactions among individuals?
D.B. _ Wellbeing, attention, social interaction and mental efficiency are strongly linked to environmental conditions. These keep on stimu- lating us positively or negatively. Millions of sensors on and in our bodies gather any relevant information.
Our sensory system is the ultimate “juggler” for keeping us physically, mentally and emotionally balanced:
Due to our genetic disposition, it reacts to sensory stimulation coming from natural factors. Therefore, more and more health-oriented spatial concepts emphasize daylight, good acoustics and fresh air.
However there is also an important sensory system located in our body, mainly distributed in muscles, which is known as the proprio- ceptive system or deep sensibility and takes is responsible for our body awareness.
THE EXPERTS’S TALK | 15