Sitting Kills, Moving Heals

Overview

Harness the life-changing power of gravity

This groundbreaking new medical work demonstrates how modern sedentary lifestyles contribute to poor health, obesity, and diabetes, and how health can be dramatically improved by continuous, low-intensity, movement that challenges the force of gravity. Citing her original NASA research on how weightlessness weakens astronauts' muscles, bones, and overall health, the author presents a simple and effective plan for maintaining good health throughout life by developing new lifestyle habits of frequent gravity-challenging movement. Written for everyone who spends most of their lives sitting in chairs, at desks, and in cars, this practical, easy-to-follow action plan outlines simple gravity-challenging activities such as standing up frequently, stretching, walking, and dancing that are more healthful and effective than conventional diet and exercise regimens.

Reviews

"Thought-provoking . . . former NASA scientist Vernikos . . . argues that out-of-shape Americans need to start doing exercises that make their bodies resist the force of gravity. The good news: dancing, jumping . . . and gardening all count. A compelling call to action." —Booklist (December 1, 2011)

"A plan that can help everyone improve their health with small, simple actions. . . . The beauty of Dr. Vernikos' plan is its simplicity. Easy, natural, everyday movements that take, literally, seconds and can provide a lifetime of benefits." —East Oregonian (December 11, 2011)

"An easy-to-use prescription for good health. And the best part? We don't have to spend excessive hours at the gym to produce health benefits. Anyone interested in maintining health and independence will want to read this book." —Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (May 2012)

"Being glued to a chair can damage the health of the deskbound. Vernikos prescribes a rememdy . . . dozens of effortless daily changes in position. In eight to 12 weeks, fitness and vigor can start replacing the sluggishness and fatigue." —The Freelancer: The Bimonthly Newsletter of the Editorial Freelancers Association (April 2012)

"The genius of this doctor's advocated activities . . . is that stirring pasta, rolling out cookie dough, and cracking nut shells for noshing all count as exercise. The book is filled with tips to create health-building movements into your day." —www.NYJournalOfBooks.com (December 2011)

"Sitting Kills, Moving Heals is a unique look how to pursue greater health, very much recommended." —Midwest Book Review (January 2012)

"Well-written, easy-to-understand, and a fierce warning for Americans to wake up. Couch potatoes take heed!" —www.VABoomer.com

"A message of liberation . . . a provocative rethinking of everything we've come to believe about exercise, and—since exercise fails for most of us—worth trying." —Fresno Magazine (March 2012)

Author Biography

Joan Vernikos, PhD, is a motivational speaker and a stress expert. She is the former director of NASA's life sciences division and a member of the space studies board of the National Academy of Sciences. She is the author of The G-Connection: Harness Gravity and Reverse Aging. She lives in Culpeper, Virginia.