International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Inactivity: A Bad ‘Habit’ Costing Our Productive Lifestyle

Neetu Rishiraj

Rates of physical inactivity continue to rise in North America and throughout the world. Preventable health related illnesses associated with inactivity and the financial costs associated with treating these illnesses should be of concern. Many individuals believe they are active and achieve the present recommendation of 150 minutes of activity per week. However, many do not recognize that in achieving the present activity standard, there are between 12.25 to 14.25 waking hours of light-intensity activity or inactivity. Further, most people do not realize that being inactive significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer (in women only), type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Perhaps most importantly, people need to understand the meaning of a sedentary lifestyle and how this will impact on their independent way of life, especially after the retirement age.