Sitting is the new smoking...at least that's what they're saying. America's obesity epidemic is exacerbated by inactivity and the consumption of various types of media. According to the Mayo Clinic (below) we are spending at least 50-70% of our waking hours sitting at work and
20-35% in front of the TV. Sad, but true.
SEDENTARY means tending to spend much time seated or lying down; somewhat inactive;
characterized by much sitting and little physical exercise. Anthropologists would say that
a sedentary person inhabits the same locality throughout their life, they are not migratory or nomadic. In Cincinnati, where I live, many people never venture out of their neighborhoods, or the City...some have never traveled out of state!
Growing up, I recall that most of our play was outside: hopscotch, jump rope, kickball, pick up basketball games and touch football. We were sad when the street light came on and we had to go back into the house. Now, most of the game play I observe with children is on a phone or tablet between their fingers. It's no wonder childhood obesity was the issue that former First Lady Michelle Obama decided to tackle with her
"Let's Move" campaign. Almost 1 in 5 children in the US is obese and 91% of our children have poor diets and less than the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
State of Obesity Sedentary lifestyles put us at risk for diseases and preventable causes of death such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Even if you exercise the recommended 30 min. per day, sitting throughout the rest of the day is a real problem. Video:
Why sitting is bad for you.
Are you leading a SEDENTARY spiritual life? Are your days marked with inactivity as it pertains to spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, witnessing and discipleship? Is there a relationship you know you need to mend, end or pursue? Are you actively and faithfully moving in your calling, vision, dreams, or the assignments God has given you? Ecclesiastes 5:3 says "A dream comes through the multitude of business" (or much activity). James 2:14-26 reiterates that even faith, if not accompanied with works or deeds is dead, being alone. Is your comfy couch getting attention while your life is wasting away? It could be time for you to get up and make some physical, spiritual, financial, relational, educational, or creative moves.
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