We've all heard a lot about "The Sitting Disease." Just Google "sitting is bad for you" and you will find a gazillion articles outlining the many negative side effects. Sitting is the new smoking. Even those who exercise are at risk. Runners World writes, "the time we spend parked behind a steering wheel, slumped over a keyboard, or kicked back in front of the [t.v.] is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even depression." The article goes on to say that "active people sit just as much as their couch-potato peers." Say what!?

What can we do to counter balance the physical demands of working at a desk? Well for one, we can get up at least once every hour. We can stop sending emails and walk down the hallway and talk, yes talk, to the person we are writing. There's no need to "camp" at our desks - we can walk around and find some place else to eat. We can get up and walk to the water cooler. Let's GET ON UP! and stretch regularly. Bring an egg timer if you need to - I know what it's like to get 'stuck' in a project. Type standing if you can, but whatever you do, don't just sit there!

We can also buy ourselves a new desk chair. A really nice employer might even look into the benefits of contributing to the cost. It might also be able to work out a reduction in health care insurance costs if they supply them to employees. Hmmm, looks like there are loads of ways to combat The Sitting Disease. How would you change things in your life to give your butt a break?

For years, I have been saying "I really should get 'one of those chairs' " and well folks, I finally did. I changed this one on the left for the one on the right. I know, I know: it's a lot to expect from a chair but I am hoping that the switch might change my life, or at the very least, my back. I will keep you posted as things progress and let you know if my posture improves and my lower back isn't always so tight.

This ugly little critter [the Flash Furniture Kneeling Chair] costs about $90 on Amazon, excluding shipping. It's easy to assemble, especially if you have a nine year old son.