A tiny adjustment at City Hall could make our city on the St. Lawrence a world-leader in the combat against one insidious health-eroding phenomenon.
The adjustment would require about $100,000 and would set an example for every legislature around the planet.
Sitting politicians do just what the description suggests.
They sit.
And sit.
And sit.
I hope you don't need me to tell you the health disaster that awaits those who sit all day long. The realization first became obvious when British health authorities stumbled over data that proved that ambulatory ticket takers lived much longer than their sitting-compatriots behind the bus wheel.
Every research has repeatedly since proven that sitting is the new smoking.
Even exercise does not make up for the damage caused by sitting so Jean Chretien could dash up all the stairs he wants but it still won't make up for all of the sitting he did.
A simple $700 adjustment to the 125 desks at city hall would allow councillors to either sit or stand during meetings.
A good stretch of the legs is very healthy thing and those who don't want to get up won't be forced to and those who stand will be able to lower their desks discreetly if their legs get tired.
The same standards would eventually be copied at the provincial level, then the federal level and then spread into workplaces where legislation would force employers to offer workers the right to either sit or stand while on the job.
Where should we start? Right here in Montreal.
The adjustment would require about $100,000 and would set an example for every legislature around the planet.
Sitting politicians do just what the description suggests.
They sit.
And sit.
 |
| Get 'er done Bob |
I hope you don't need me to tell you the health disaster that awaits those who sit all day long. The realization first became obvious when British health authorities stumbled over data that proved that ambulatory ticket takers lived much longer than their sitting-compatriots behind the bus wheel.
Every research has repeatedly since proven that sitting is the new smoking.
Even exercise does not make up for the damage caused by sitting so Jean Chretien could dash up all the stairs he wants but it still won't make up for all of the sitting he did.
A simple $700 adjustment to the 125 desks at city hall would allow councillors to either sit or stand during meetings.A good stretch of the legs is very healthy thing and those who don't want to get up won't be forced to and those who stand will be able to lower their desks discreetly if their legs get tired.
The same standards would eventually be copied at the provincial level, then the federal level and then spread into workplaces where legislation would force employers to offer workers the right to either sit or stand while on the job.
Where should we start? Right here in Montreal.
I certainly believe this makes a lot of sense. In fact, I try to not sit all the time and make a point of changing position frequently when at my computer. The main problem for me though, is trying to type accurately on my keyboard when standing up. I find it difficult to do and I "can" be more accurate typing when on my "can".
ReplyDeleteOtherwise it's a great health improvement suggestion.
Good one, thanks for the reminder Chris!
ReplyDeleteWhen my great grandfather was running his distillery, he had a high work desk on front of which he always stood-up to do his work.
ReplyDeleteOh, and when my parents lived in a condo, they held the meetings in the garage.
ReplyDeleteEveryone had to stand up, so they kept meetings short and sweet.
Back when there used to be draftsmen, we had those fancy drafting tables that could be adjusted for angle and height, enabling multiple positions for drawing.
ReplyDelete