In our sit-down society today we spend more time on our posterior than anywhere else, so one would think that sitting down and standing up would be easy right?  You may be mistaken!

In a study preformed in Brazil, Dr. Claudio Gil Araujo implemented the sitting-rising test where he assessed the ability of around 2000 individuals to sit down on the floor and stand back up again.  The results and their subsequent correlations were astonishing.  Those who struggled to get up from a seated position, i.e. used their hands or knees as opposed to rising smoothly to vertical were actually at risk for a higher mortality.

Now this may sound scary, but really, it can be condensed down to the quality of our health. While sitting and standing may seem like basic and necessary skills, the ability to perform these maneuvers illustrates musculoskeletal strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance.  Those that have these attributes are more likely to live longer and fuller lives.

In order to maximize our potential, to feel better and be able to do more, we need to treat the body as a well-run vehicle.  However, you only get one vehicle for your entire lifetime. So regular maintenance (chiropractic care), proper fuel (balanced nutrition) and highway mileage (exercise) can help to prolong the functional capacity of your vehicle.

Fortunately, a few simple lifestyle changes can revolutionize our ability to adapt better to life and all it's stresses!   Taking care with our health is as easy as taking stretching breaks from prolonged sitting, planning meals ahead of time and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. We only get one body in this lifetime, let's take good care of it!  So what are you waiting for - stand your age!

Check out this BBC video clip: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03q0jrw

Reference:

• Brito LBB, Ricardo DR, Araujo DSMS, et al.  Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality.  European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention.  2012: DOI: 10.1177/2047487312471759