Long periods of sitting have a deleterious effect on the arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulation of your arms and legs. Your heart was meant to be exercised at regular intervals. The venous return of your legs is dependent, in part, on the contraction of your calf muscles.

The long periods of time the legs are bent 90 degrees at the hips and knees can result in edema of the lower legs and feet. It is well known that people on long airplane trips have an increased incidence of clot formation in their lower legs (even if they have not previously had a clotting disorder).

It stands to reason that long periods of sitting in front of a computer could do the same thing as the position is the same.

• Avoidance of circulatory complications while using the computer for long periods of time:

The only way to really “stave off” circulatory problems is to get up from your chair and move around. The best way to do this is to take a 5 minute walk every 30 minutes. Obviously, there may be limitations of space and time allowed by an employer.

There are several small, under the desk ergonomic pedal devices that can be purchased that would allow you to perform a bicycle motion with your legs at your desk. However, this does not have the same salutary benefit of walking.

At your lunch break it would be advisable that you take a 30 minute walk to increase your cardiac output. Make sure that the walk is vigorous (versus just a saunter). Not only will this increase your cardiac output, it will probably decrease your caloric intake.

A final word on circulatory health has to do with maintaining enough body fluids. Whether you know it or not you have a loss of fluids while working at a desk. Most office spaces are not humidified

You can lose a substantial amount of fluid and not really feel any different. As you lose fluid your blood becomes thicker and is more difficult to move through your body. Your risk of clot formation increases and your heart works harder. You may even become more sedate and sleepy if you become dehydrated.

The best way to maintain adequate fluid levels in your body is to drink water liberally. You may ask how much is enough? The most reliable way to tell you are adequately hydrated is to look at your urine. If your urine is nearly clear you probably have enough fluid in your body (the actual amount of water in your urine has increased).

If your urine is very concentrated (a bright yellow) you need more fluid.

ALL THE CIRCULATORY EXERCISES ARE TO BE DONE EVERY 3O MINUTES. IF YOU HAVE PRE-EXISTING PAIN OR SWELLING YOU SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY YOUR PRIMARY CARE PRACTITIONER.