1. Sitting may be worse for us than smoking. A study revealed that remaining sedentary
for extended periods can dramatically increase the risk for chronic health issues,
including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Not only that, but the negative
effects of prolonged sitting aren't offset by intense exercise before or after work.
People with desk jobs should be on their feet for at least two hours daily, either by
taking occasional strolls or using a standing desk. "We are creatures of habit," says
co-author Gavin Bradley, "and we have come to the wrong conclusion, that sitting is
the optimum way of conducting office work.
2. High heels can cause sprained ankles and feet as well as broken bones. Injuries
involving high-heeled footwear doubled in the U.S. between 2002 and 2012, researchers
learned, during which time American women suffered more than 123,355 mishaps severe
enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. Those fashionable pumps and strappy
sandals can affect gait, balance, and range of foot motion, warns lead investigator
Gerald McGwin, and it's important to "understand the risks and the potential harm that
precarious activities in high-heeled shoes can cause.
3. Belly fat is a serious health concern, even if you're thin. Men and women with
excess weight around the middle are significantly more likely to die from heart
disease than adults whose fat is more evenly distributed, a Mayo Clinic study
revealed, no matter where they tip the scales. Even in people with a "normal" body
mass index — a weight-height ratio — belly blubber is linked to a buildup of deeper
visceral fat that wraps around internal organs, increasing the risk for heart attack,
stroke, and type 2 diabetes. "We need to talk about waist loss," says cardiologist
Paul Poirier, "not weight loss.
4. Shift work can be unhealthy, increasing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and
metabolic disorders. Researchers in Finland tracked airline employees and found that
people who worked nights or irregular hours slept less than peers who were scheduled
for the regular business day. Beyond that, "it seems that shift work itself strongly
affects workers' eating habits," says study leader Katri Hemio, noting they ate fewer
vegetables and consumed more fat. One way to address the problem, experts say, is to
stock workplace vending machines with healthier foods and provide refrigerators, so
employees can bring healthier meals from home.
5. Dietary supplements can land you in the hospital. They're responsible for at least
23,000 emergency room trips and 2,100 hospital admissions in the U.S. every year, a
study found, suggesting these loosely regulated "natural" substances aren't always
safe. After analyzing 10 years of data, researchers established that 65 percent of
these ER visits were prompted by chest pain, palpitations, and dizziness. The worst
offenders were herbal formulas promising to accelerate weight loss, boost energy, or
enhance sex drive, all of which are laced with stimulants. "Many Americans take
dietary supplements in an effort to stay healthy," says study author Andrew Geller of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "but these products can cause harm.
6. Belly fat is a serious health concern, even if you're thin. Men and women with
excess weight around the middle are significantly more likely to die from heart
disease than adults whose fat is more evenly distributed, a Mayo Clinic study
revealed, no matter where they tip the scales. Even in people with a "normal" body
mass index — a weight-height ratio — belly blubber is linked to a buildup of deeper
visceral fat that wraps around internal organs, increasing the risk for heart attack,
stroke, and type 2 diabetes. "We need to talk about waist loss," says cardiologist
Paul Poirier, "not weight loss.
6. Loneliness increases the risk of death by up to 14 percent, a University of Chicago
study found. The stressful pangs of unwanted solitude trigger the "flight or fight.
response, causing inflammation and cellular changes that disrupt the production of
white blood cells that protect the body from illness. Social isolation does improve
the body's ability to fight harmful bacteria, but it also makes people more
susceptible to viral infections. "The lonelier one is and the longer one is lonely,"
author John Cacioppo says, "the greater the negative effects.
7. Zip lines are dangerous. As more and more people soar above ground while suspended
from a wire, an alarming number are getting hurt. A study of a Consumer Product Safety
Commission database revealed that the injury rate from zip lines surged by more than
50 percent between 2009 and 2012. Most accidents occurred at commercial courses, but
roughly 30 percent were on amateur "backyard" setups. Young children accounted for
almost half the injuries, which usually involved broken bones sustained during falls
or collisions. The rate and severity of zip line injuries, says researcher Tracy
Mehan, suggests "this activity is much more like an adventure sport.
