Holiday habits study: Sit less to improve health

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The season to “eat, drink and be merry” can be hard on your waistline.

It's the season where you want to be indoors near the fireplace, hanging out with friends, going to holiday happy hours and parties where you eat, but even if you do all that, a new study says making one small change in your day could make a difference this season and all year long.

“I try to eat a lot of vegetables, a lot of fruit, but l love sweets! It's kinda hard,” said Deborah Calloway.

“What's your healthy holiday habit? Trying to eat better, I don't like vegetables,” said Juanita Lane.

Everyone knows they should likely eat better at the holidays, but did you also know that as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, there's something else, one habit, that could also help you stay well?

In fact, in one of the largest studies ever done, researchers looked at those that had this one habit and not only did they live longer over the next decade, they lived healthier. That means they died less often of heart disease of cancer, of all causes, simply with this one step.

They “sit less.” That's right! Researchers in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people sit on average 12 of the 16 hours they are awake every day and while it's ideal to get more exercise every day, sometimes just standing up, moving around, or getting off the couch might really brighten your holidays and your future health.

What’s interesting is that the research showed even when other things that influence health from age, to gender to weight to exercise were factored in. How much you sit still plays a role in your future health and longevity.

So, this means no matter what, sitting less can be a deal breaker for a healthy future.