Get Moving with the American Diabetes Association(R) on National Get Fit Don't Sit Day

Wednesday, May 2, marks the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, an opportunity to increase awareness about the dangers of prolonged sitting and the importance of getting up and moving throughout the day. The ADA recommends breaking up sedentary time with three or more minutes of light physical activity—such as walking, leg extensions, or overhead arm stretches—every 30 minutes, in addition to getting the recommended 30 minutes a day (5 days per week) of moderate activity.

“We know that physical activity is good for you, however, what you may not know is that too much sitting is actually harmful for your health,” said Alison Bruun, American Diabetes Association. “That’s why it’s so important to get up and move throughout the day. National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is a day to encourage Oregonians to get up and moving at least every 30 minutes.”

To celebrate National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, the Portland ADA team will be promoting physical activity at Menlo Park Elementary and Lincoln Park Elementary, as a part of the Let’s Play Portland project. 

Here are eight tips for incorporating more movement during the work day:

• Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up every 30 minutes and stand, walk or stretch. 
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office and in the parking garage.
• Get up and stretch at your desk.
• Swap out your chair for an exercise ball to engage your muscles.
• Use part or all of your lunch break to take a walk.
• Walk places that are within a reasonable distance instead of driving.
• Try some chair exercises while at your desk.

National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is sponsored locally by National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day is sponsored nationally by NRG Energy, Inc. and Freeze Tag, Inc. To learn more, visit diabetes.org/getfitdontsit.

About the American Diabetes Association

Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or prediabetes; more than 30 million adults and children have diabetes; and every 21 seconds, another individual is diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The ADA drives discovery by funding research to treat, manage and prevent all types of diabetes, as well as to search for cures; raises voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and works to safeguard policies and programs that protect people with diabetes. In addition, the ADA supports people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing diabetes, and the health care professionals who serve them through information and programs that can improve health outcomes and quality of life. For more information, please call the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).