Longevity by Design
Longevity by Design is your go-to podcast for unlocking the secrets to a longer, healthier life. Hosted by Dr. Gil Blander, a renowned scientist and entrepreneur in the fields of aging, nutrition, and personalized health, this show dives into cutting-edge research and practical strategies for optimizing your healthspan and lifespan.
In each episode, Dr. Blander sits down with leading longevity and health scientists to explore how we can live better, longer lives. From unpacking complex scientific concepts to sharing the latest advancements in aging research, Longevity by Design offers science-backed insights and actionable advice to help you add years to your life—and life to your years.
Dr. Blander is the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of InsideTracker, a healthspan company that leverages blood tests, DNA analysis, fitness tracker data, and other biomarkers to deliver personalized health recommendations. With a Ph.D. in biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science and postdoctoral research at MIT, Dr. Blander brings decades of expertise and passion to every conversation.
Tune in to Longevity by Design and discover how to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.
Longevity by Design
What Happens to Your Body When You Sit All Day, with Dr. Keith Diaz
In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, to unpack the hidden health risks of prolonged sitting.
Keith explains why even daily exercise isn't enough to counteract the effects of sedentary behavior. Drawing on his lab's findings, he shares a simple but powerful prescription: five minutes of light walking every hour. That small change can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and reduce fatigue, without needing to break a sweat.
The conversation also explores how modern work and home environments are built around sitting, and what it takes to build smarter habits. From treadmill desks to family walks, Keith offers practical strategies that make movement part of everyday life. Whether you're an employer, a clinician, or just desk-bound, this episode helps you rethink how you move through your day.
Guest-at-a-Glance
💡 Name: Dr. Keith Diaz
💡 What they do: Associate Professor
💡 Company: Columbia University Irving Medical Center
💡 Noteworthy: Leading researcher on sedentary behavior, cardiovascular health, and wearable tech in clinical care.
💡 Where to find them:LinkedIn
Episode highlights:
[00:00:00] Introduction: The Evolution of Television Viewing Habits
[00:00:23] Welcome to Longevity By Design
[00:00:33] Introducing Dr. Ki Diaz
[00:02:14] The Impact of Sedentary Behavior
[00:04:23] The Physiology of Sitting
[00:09:59] Exercise vs. Sedentary Lifestyle
[00:16:56] Movement Breaks: How Short is Beneficial?
[00:27:45] The Role of Wearable Devices
[00:31:51] Integrating Movement into Daily Routines
[00:33:34] Behavioral Changes and Personal Strategies
[00:34:55] The Benefits of Movement Breaks at Work
[00:37:26] Wearables and Their Impact on Health
[00:40:16] Clinicians' Role in Promoting Movement
[00:43:09] Tailoring Movement to Individual Lifestyles
[00:47:28] Incentives for Employers and Insurers
[00:52:46] Personal Movement Hacks and Daily Routines
[00:58:16] Future Research and Final Thoughts
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