Do you find yourself spending most of your time sitting behind a desk or in your car?
Well, you’re not alone. According to the American Heart Association, in the past 50 years, sedentary jobs have increased by 83%. Moreover, jobs that require physical activity comprise less than 20% of all jobs in the U.S.
This is quite alarming, as sitting for too long can have terrible consequences on a person’s overall health. Periods of inactivity can increase the risk of health problems—such as heart diseases, cancer, and type-2 diabetes.
The best way to remedy this is to start moving and get some regular exercise in your daily routine. However, for some people, it’s difficult to find time for exercise in their busy lives. The good news is that even elevating your legs for a few minutes each day can help counter some of the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
The health benefits of elevating your legs include:
Takes The Pressure Off!
Sitting or standing for extended periods increases the pressure on the veins in your legs. This can lead to the cramping of the leg muscles and can even put a strain on your lower back muscles, leading to chronic back pain.
By elevating your legs for a few minutes—either by putting them up on your desk or doing yoga stretches—can help reduce the pressure in your legs and allows your back muscles to relax.
Enhances the Natural Flow of Blood
Healthy blood circulation is essential for a person to stay in optimal shape. While the blood is responsible for pumping the blood throughout the body, the veins in the legs are responsible for keeping the blood flowing properly.
By working against gravity for extended periods, the valves become weak and can cause the blood to pool in the legs affecting the circulation.
Keeping the legs elevated at least six inches above the heart for a little while each day gives the valves a break and enhances the flow of blood in the body.
Reduces Swelling and Inflammation
Excess blood pooling in the legs due to excess inactivity can often lead to inflammation and swelling.
It can also cause health issues such as spider veins and varicose veins. By elevating the legs, your veins stay healthy and the blood flows naturally without the valves becoming overworked. This reduces any swelling and risk of inflammation in the legs.
Contact Vein Specialists in New York!
If you find yourself sitting for eight or more hours a day and regularly experience leg cramps, you need to contact a vein specialist immediately. Leaving a possible vein issue unresolved might cause it to get worse and affect your overall health.
Varicose Veins Doctors is the top vein specialists in New York. Our certified vein physicians can answer all your vein questions and they are equipped to perform complicated procedures for vein issues such as varicose veins, spider veins, restless leg syndrome, and leg cramps.
