Stand-up and walkable work stations to fight ‘sitting disease’ urged on employers

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Stone Hearth News

ST. PAUL, MN–(Marketwire – May 18, 2012) – Ergotron, Inc., the global leader in ergonomic and wellness-enhancing mounting and mobility products, is proud to support the American Heart Association in its mission to “build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” especially since sedentary behavior is linked to these two diseases.

Studies have found that the physical activity associated with standing (rather than sitting) has a profound impact on overall health. Sitting disease, a long-term result of prolonged sitting (more than 6.5 hours a day), includes increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and early mortality.

Ergotron’s commitment to the American Heart Association cause includes sponsorship, participation and in-kind donations to Heart Walks in the Twin Cities, Phoenix and Seattle areas, plus wellness symposiums and educational events across the country. On May 19, 2012, 90 Ergotron employees and family members will be participating in the Twin Cities Heart Walk at Target Field, in an effort to promote the ways physical activity can mitigate the health risks of overly sedentary behavior.

“Responsible businesses need to understand the strong correlation that exists between extended periods of sitting and the associated impact that conditions such as heart disease and stroke will have on the global workforce,” said Joel Hazzard, president and CEO of Ergotron. “By offering access to sit-stand computing options, businesses are creating an environment that promotes and supports optimum wellness and an active work style, and as a result healthier and happier employees.”

Businesses interested in learning how several major brands are leading the charge and taking employee access to sit-stand solutions beyond the prescriptive bias will want to attend Ergotron’s Second Annual JustStand™ Wellness Summit, July 10, in St. Paul, MN. Researchers from the global community will also present breaking research around sitting disease, including: Dr. David Dunstan, Baker IDI Australia; Dr. Nico Pronk, HealthPartners; Dr. Mark Pereira, University of Minnesota; and Dr. James Levine, Mayo Clinic.

“Research has established that the simple act of standing increases blood flow, metabolic rates and caloric burn, and in general, supports a healthier life and work style,” said Jane Payfer, chief marketing officer at Ergotron. “It is tremendous to bring this level of scientific and practical experience together in one room at the JustStand Summit, giving businesses first-hand access to thought leadership and enabling them to best assess their own corporate wellness goals.”

To learn more about Ergotron and its entire line of stand-up solutions, visitwww.ergotron.com or call 800.888.8458. To register to attend the Ergotron JustStand Wellness Summit visit: juststand.org/summit.

About ErgotronErgotron, Inc. is a global manufacturer of leading digital display mounting, furniture, and mobility products that have been improving the human interface with digital displays for over 30 years. This history of innovation and passion for differentiation is evidenced in over 70 patents and a growing portfolio of award winning brands — OmniMount, StyleView, WorkFit and Neo-Flex — for computer monitors, notebooks, tablets, flat panel displays and TVs. Ergotron’s products incorporate patented CF lift and pivot motion technology to achieve less effort and more ergonomic motion for a healthier and more interactive user experience when viewing any digital display. Whether to enhance computing wellness or entertainment excitement, improve workplace productivity or create business process efficiencies, Ergotron’s products are positioning your digital world. Ergotron is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with sales efforts in Phoenix, Amersfoort, London, the Netherlands, Tokyo, and Singapore.