The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently launched its second annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day on May 4 to encourage people to live lifestyles that are more fit and active.
As part of the event, the association organized day-long activities, such as the live CEO Fitness Challenge and a campaign based on social media to encourage workplace wellness.
Research provides evidence that sitting for long amounts of time can increase people’s chances of serious health concerns, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. One researcher, Marc Hamilton from the Texas Obesity Research Center in Houston, estimates that having light physical activity throughout an entire day has more benefits for people than a few hours of intense exercise.
To celebrate the day, participants are encouraged to move at least a single time every 90 minutes during the work day. This simple step reduces people’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes as well as other illnesses related to obesity.
"Through National Get Fit Don't Sit Day, we urge all Americans, including people with diabetes, to get up from their office chairs and add more physical activities into their work day," Alicia McAuliffe-Fogarty, vice president of lifestyle management for the American Diabetes Association, said. "Whether you bike to work or take a quick walk down the stairs in your office, it's time to get active and moving. Healthy lifestyle choices are integral to managing diabetes and to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. With the right tools, you can incorporate many of the Get Fit Don't Sit activities into your work day. Do it for better health."
