AAC
T
Family & Friends
» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Don’t just sit there!
he word seems to be out about the dangers of prolonged sitting. The Jan. 9, 2017, issue of the NACo County News includes an article titled “These Boots are Made for ... Standing.” The first sentence of the article reads, “Sitting is the new smoking.” These words will get your attention if you, like many of us, are required to sit at a desk the majority of your working day. According to Dr. James Levine from the Mayo Clinic, “Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.” Health professionals say that the solution is simple and
Savings times 2
straightforward ... sit less and Wallet & waistline move more. But how can county folks make that happen based on the requirements of their jobs? One option is to use standing desks. Pulaski County Treasurer/ Collector Debra Buckner purchased two standing desks about a year ago for people in the Department of the Collector’s Data Processing Department. Becky Comet These desks can be raised AAC Member and lowered to accommodate Benefits Manager alternating between standing and sitting. Kim Leubner, computer coordinator, says that she alternates between standing and sitting for about an hour at a time. She also reports that with the double monitors and other equipment on the desk, it is a bit difficult to raise and lower, even with the built in hydraulic assistance. Furthermore, Kim found standing more comfortable with the addition of a floor mat. She finds sitting for long periods of time is painful to her back. Kim is grateful for the addition of this desk and feels it can be an asset for anyone that has to sit for long periods of time. Pulaski County’s David Johnston, hardware analyst, has tried a similar desk. The equipment he has makes it too heavy to raise and lower the desk frequently, so he does not use the standing option. Consequently, his desk will be moved on to someone else that would like to give it a try. These drawbacks and solutions experienced first hand by employees in the Pulaski County Collector’s Office are brought to light in the NACo article as well: “Raising and lowering the surface may be difficult for employees with arm, shoulder, elbow and back restrictions, or for employees who are below a certain height.” NACo continues, “Another possible complication of standing desk introductions is the need for other equipment. In addition to the desk itself, the employee might now need a longer monitor cord, a wireless mouse and keyboard, a longer phone cord, and a different floor mat on which to stand.” Kim Leubner, computer coordinator in the Pulaski County Collector’s Buckner’s solution is on target according to office, uses a standing desk that allows her to alternate between standing NACo, “One possible solution is to have a trial and sitting. Health professionals have said that sitting for extended periods of time causes a number of health issues, including obesity and increased risk standing desk, where employees use the desk for a of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. month and see how much they choose to stand, if 22
COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2017
