Dermatologists Need To “Stand Up” For Themselves

Sedentary living, supported by the number of hours spent sitting at work and at home each day, has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature mortality. Buckley et al (Br J Sports Med. 2015;49:1357-1362) provided guidelines for employers regarding interventions that may promote the avoidance of prolonged periods of sedentary work in a consensus statement that was commissioned by Public Health England and the Active Working Community Interest Company (who launched the Get Britain Standing campaign). The authors recommended initially aiming to accumulate at least 2 hours of standing and light activity (such as walking around the office) during work hours, with the eventual goal of 4 hours per day; however, they also cautioned that this positive adaptive process may lead to musculoskeletal sensations and fatigue in some individuals who may not be accustomed to standing-based work.

Buckley et al also suggested that employers should encourage goal that promote good health, such as improving nutrition and reducing alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress. Additionally, the authors highly recommended adjustable desk stations that allow employees to alternate between standing and seated work. Finally, Buckley et al commented that prolonged static standing postures, similar to prolonged static seated positions, also should be avoided.

Buckley et al also noted that workplaces that have initiated these interventions have seen improvement in cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, and mental health risks in employees. Additionally, the productivity, quality, and efficiency of the work improved and employees experienced a greater sense of collaboration. Incorporating interventions to eliminate sitting for prolonged periods in the workplace resulted in cost savings for health services for both the employees and the employer in the groups studied by Buckley et al.

What’s the Issue?

Like other physicians and health care providers, dermatologists may be working longer hours, dealing with increased administrative demands that require electronic or hand-written documentation, and spending more time sitting each day to accomplish activities that do not involve direct patient care. Incorporating planned periods of activity (eg, standing breaks) in the workday for both themselves and their office personnel may be an effective intervention for dermatologists to use to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, changing the ergonomic design of the office and workstations with adjustable desks and counter tops that allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing may encourage staff to not only become less sedentary but possibly more productive as well. Is it time for dermatologists to “stand up” for themselves?

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