When You Work May Affect Your Health
By Tom Herrin
People consider a lot of things when they look at their overall health. Diet and exercise are always big concerns. Levels of stress are also often on the radar. Many times, they take little or no thought about when they work. That fact is that, for many people, the kind of hours they work can play an important role in their health. Studies have indicated that those who work shifts may have more potential risks for health issues than those who work what most would call regular hours; those would be generally morning to late afternoon. With the number of Americans working shifts as many as 8 to 10 million or more, many more people are affected than one might realize.
General Health and Safety May Be a Concern
One of the biggest issues for many who work shifts is that they are often deprived of good sleep. It can be difficult to sleep when others are active. This can lead to problems with mental function as well as safety. Many must deal with increased numbers of accidents on the job as well as those of workers as they commute to and fro. Fatigue alone can be a huge issue.
Steps to Take for Protection
There are a few simple things anyone can do to help to make them better able to head off some of these problems. Taking a walk before beginning a shift may help, especially if it is in some sunlight. Avoiding caffeine once they get very far into their shifts may help them to be able to sleep better after they get off the clock. Making a way to take several short breaks and moving around during their shift may also help. For companies, providing some training for ways to improve their health is always a positive thing.
Be a Part of the Solution
Since it is your health, you are in the best position to guard it. Find ways to manage your health while dealing with working shifts may make you a happier and healthier worker. Taking positive steps can be one of the best ways to feel that you are in control. This can be one of the best ways to help improve decision making and avoid depression. After all, it is your health and safety. Make it be the best you can.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elk Grove, Calif.