Linda Brandt

I just finished reading Dr. Eric Söhngen's "Death by Sitting." In 103 pages, Dr. Söhngen makes it clear that sitting for six hours or more daily comes with a huge cost to our physical and mental health. Sadly, being active at other times does not undo this negative impact of sitting. His prescription: Avoid sitting for more than 4 hours daily. Currently, "most of us spend around 12 hours a day sitting and staring at screens." (p. 60) This book provides detailed descriptions of how our bodies work. On page 10 the author states, "Taking a single step involves around 400 individual muscles." Wow! The book also describes the sad state of global health - diabetes (inactivity & sedentariness are the biggest risk factor); overweight and obesity; poor mental health; cancer; heart disease and stroke; dementia; and other preventable illness. Much of the data comes from the U.S. and Europe, but global statistics are given as well. Did you know that North American young people spend 40-60% of their waking hours viewing screens? (p. 29 from data published in 2014). It's likely this situation has gotten much worse due to the pandemic and the growth of screen time. What should we be doing instead of sitting? Walking! In particular, Dr. Söhngen recommends building up to 15 minutes of brisk walking after meals. You will definitely come away from this book knowing how living an active lifestyle and being active throughout the day improve your mind and body. For example, did you know that exercise is a proven treatment for depression? (p. 75) As a public health professional, I was pleased to see the recommendation that more offices and schools be designed to help people limit their sitting time. He also mentions having an active commute as a great way to sit less and increase daily activity. In his closing paragraph, the author says, "I consider regular access to nature to be one of the most vital necessities for us as humans." (p.103) Are standing desks the answer? The author doesn't think so. He cites a systematic review saying the availability of standing desk reduces sitting by 30 minutes to two hours and can come with some unintended negative consequences. (pp. 95-97) In addition to publishing this 2018 book, Dr. Söhngen "walks the talk" in his personal and professional life. I first met the author because he is the inventor and founder of Walkolution - The world's first and only manual and soft surface treadmill desk. He is deeply involved in product development, medical research about treadmill desks, and optimization of workplace productivity. Dr. Söhngen was also the first participant to show up for the Inaugural Treadmill Desk Race where I walked while writing this review. The map is of the initial pilot participants in this event. 🥰