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The AMA adopted policy recently recognizing potential risks of prolonged sitting and encouraging employers, employees and others to make available alternatives to sitting, such as standing work stations and isometric balls.

Poor vein health is also related to prolonged sitting. If you must sit for long periods of time follow these guidelines to prevent abnormal pressure on your veins which may lead to spider veins and varicose veins:

  • Keep your knees even with or slightly higher than your hips. Use a foot rest or stool if necessary because most chairs are not adjustable.
  • Keep your feet flat on the floor. You should be able to put a piece of paper under your thighs and remove it without tearing it. If you cannot remove the piece of paper or it tears, then you are sitting too high.
  • Many of us spend hours sitting in our cars each day so don’t forget these recommendations apply while driving.