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Sedentary Lifestyle is Deadly

Americans have developed some bad habits in the last few decades.

Any of us spend our workdays slouched over a desk, sitting in front of a computer.

We sit during our commute home, then we sit some more vegging out in front of the TV or computer during our down time.

All of this sitting on our rear ends is likely to bring our lives to an end sooner than we'd like.

"People who are sedentary have increased inflammation just as a result of sitting," says the Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Marc Gillinov. "Perhaps it's something to do with less muscle contraction."

Increased inflammation in the body is linked to heart disease, and a new study from the United Kingdom finds markers for inflammation were twice as high in people who spent more than four hours a day sitting in front of a computer or TV.

That's compared to those who reported fewer than two hours of screen time a day.

They were also much more likely to suffer major cardiac problems and die prematurely.

Exercise is the solution.

Whether you get to a gym or simply put on a pair of sneakers, the point is to get moving...some how, some way, every day.

"Take the stairs instead of an elevator. Walk down the hallway to talk to somebody instead of sending an e-mail," Dr. Gillinov advises.

Doctors say it's those little ways of working exercise into our otherwise sedentary lifestyles that will help make a difference in the long run.