More evidence sitting is deadly, even for those who exercise

Increased inflammation in the body is linked to heart disease. Now a new study from the UK finds markers for inflammation were twice as high in people who spent more than four hours a day in front of a computer or TV. They were also much more likely to suffer major cardiac problems and die prematurely. "We have the solution. We're just not applying it," said Dr Gillinov. The solution? Exercise, but even that won't help unless you can figure out how to keep moving throughout your day. Dr Gillinov offers these suggestions:

"Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Walk down the hallway to talk to somebody instead of sending an email."

The study's author, Dr. Emmanuel Stamatakis of University College London believes workers should take breaks every 20 minutes and engage in light intensity walking. However we get the message, doctors say it's those little ways of working exercise into our otherwise sedentary lifestyle. that will help make a difference in the long run. Americans have developed some bad habits during the last few decades. We spend our workdays slouched over a desk in front of a computer,then we sit during our commute home before vegging out in front of the TV or computer during our down time. All of this sitting is likely to bring our lives to an end sooner than we'd like. "People who are sedentary have increased inflammation just as a result of sitting. Perhaps it's something to do with less muscle contraction," said Dr. Marc Gillinov of the Cleveland Clinic