India, Nov. 24 -- Many people believe that hitting 10,000 steps a day is enough to counteract the negative effects of sitting for long hours. However, prolonged sitting can take a serious toll on your health, affecting your heart, circulation, and metabolism.

Dr Sumit Kapadia, a senior vascular, endovascular and varicose vein surgeon based in Vadodara, in his November 21 Instagram post, explains why walking alone isn't enough and shares the best ways to protect your body during long periods at your desk. (Also read: 38-year-old woman shares how she lost inches walking the Japanese way: 'Burns more calories than normal walking' )

"Even if you hit your step goal in the evening, it won't undo hours of sitting," says Dr Sumit. "I tell my pa...