are able to stand and move periodically so that pressure is not applied to the same region for extended periods and blood circulation is promoted the present invention describes a system and method for preventing the problems associated with patients who are susceptible to spending long periods in sitting or laying positions embodiments of the present invention include a cushion or mat that detects when a person sits or lays on it upon detection the device of the present invention activates a timer that warns the patient when they have been sitting or laying too long the cushion or mat of the present invention can be made to accommodate any particular position such as sitting reclining or laying down or any piece of equipment or furniture such as a chair wheelchair bed or sofa referring now to fig1 an embodiment of a warning device 10 according to the concepts of the present invention is described warning device 10 includes cushion 11 as described cushion 11 can be chosen for any particular application and can be made of any suitable material cushion 11 includes one or more sensors 12 a 12 b 12 c 12 d through 12 n the sensors detect the presence of someone sitting or laying on cushion 11 and can be.