Get Up!

May 5, 2014
“Humans have only sat for about 200 years, since we urbanized and industrialized,” writes Levine, codirector of the Mayo Clinic/Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative, in this treatise about why readers should get moving to improve their health; “It’s obvious that as a species we are not designed for chairdom.” Noting that the average American sits for 13 hours each day, Levine, the inventor of the “treadmill desk,” shows how a life spent sitting can lead to any number of health problems. Technological advances such as the assembly line and desktop computers have led to more sedentary work, resulting in expanding waistlines and health risks. The key, he says, is NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis): the calories we burn doing mundane tasks. Basically, we need to move more. Levine says one of the easiest and most effective things we can do is to move right after a meal, offsetting the dramatic spike that occurs with insulin levels; the resulting blood sugar that can’t get metabolized turns to fat. Other tactics include wearable technologies to help users monitor their activity levels, move-friendly workplaces, and, most importantly, simply making an effort to be more active. Agent: Natanya Wheeler, Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

August 1, 2014

Our chairs are killing us! According to Levine (codirector, Mayo Clinic/Arizona State Univ. Obesity Solutions Initiative), the act of frequently sitting contributes to several preventable diseases. In modern industrialized nations, where people of all ages are surrounded by technology and conveniences, sedentary habits have become deeply entrenched. In America, for example, where communities and public services are designed for vehicular traffic, people are encouraged to use automobiles. Levine draws upon research to provide a compelling argument that more bodily movement--as simple as walking--can be beneficial to one's life. Utilizing wit and candor, the author delivers a poignant yet important message that does not seem preachy. Comprehensible analogies take the place of flat statistics and terminology throughout the book. An unusual yet enlightening technique is the author's use of short quizzes and surveys to reinforce key concepts at the end of each chapter. VERDICT Business managers, city planners, and anyone who takes personal health seriously can benefit from the wisdom within these pages to help reverse the present sedentary paradigm.--Chad Clark, Lamar State Coll. Lib., Port Arthur, TX

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
According to Levine, codirector of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University obesity initiative and inventor of the treadmill desk, for every hour we spend sitting in our chairs, we lose two hours of our lives. In fact, excessive sitting is more dangerous to your health than smoking, Levine insists. He explores the history of the workplace, from the evolution from agrarian to industrial economies, and the dominance of sit-down jobs and leisure that is spreading to developing nations as well. Levine draws on research showing the rise in myriad health issues, from diabetes to cancer to heart disease, that can be traced to a sedentary life style. He goes on to highlight businesses and schools that are working to change their culture to encourage more activity and documenting the benefits in health and greater productivity. At the end of each chapter, Levine challenges readers to test their own levels of chair dependency and devise strategies for unshackling themselves from the chair. Levine mixes fascinating research, levity, and sound advice in a call to action against the modern sedentary life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)