Sitting Kills, Moving Heals by Dr. Joan Vernikos #2278

Today’s book: Sitting Kills, Moving Heals by Dr. Joan Vernikos—a powerful message that what we’ve learned from astronauts in zero gravity applies directly to our chairs, desks, and binge‑watch marathons. Movement—of almost any kind—is essential for health, longevity, and strength.

Here’s your 1-minute summary:

• Gravity is essential. Researchers found that astronauts lose muscle, bone, balance, and stamina in space—traits we also lose with too much sitting.

• NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) = non-exercise movement. Activities like standing, walking, stretching, bending, even changing posture are powerful. These everyday small movements revitalize your body far more often than gym workouts alone.

• Build G‑Habits. These are gravity‑friendly habits: things that naturally resist gravity—standing up regularly, moving during the day, using stairs, lifting, stretching—integrated into daily life.

• Telomeres & aging. Sitting too much accelerates cellular aging. Regular movement helps protect your telomeres—those little “caps” on your DNA that guard against disease.

• Don’t substitute motion with intensity. Even if you exercise hard once a day, sitting for long stretches still harms you. The remedy is frequent motion—not just pushing hard in a gym. We talk about this on Movement 101 as well. Check it out.

You don’t need a fancy workout—just constant motion. What small way will you move more today—stand up, stretch, pace, climb stairs? Whatever it takes.

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