Does Shift Work Leave Your Health Lacking?
By Tom Herrin
In this day of competitive economics, many people are left with few choices as they seek the best jobs available. It may not be so much that they are bad jobs but they may not be as traditional as many would prefer. Some years ago, most people worked a typical day job. That would be something that began in the morning and ended late in the afternoon. In this environment today, millions of people work some kind of shift. Some of this has always been around, but it may have increased in recent years. Some people estimate the number of shift workers may be as high as 15 million. Whatever the number, working shifts can affect health.
Working Shifts May Add to Common Risks
Most people are familiar with some of the health problems that affect a large number of people today. Working shifts seems to increase the likelihood of this for many who do so. Cardiovascular issues may well steadily increase over time as people work those shifts. Another thing that impacts a large number of individuals is diabetes. Those who work shifts have been shown to have a higher incidence of this. These possible health issues merit some consideration for those who may already be prone to them.
Preventative Measures May Help
As with so many other things, being aware of the potential of developing health problems may be a good start to building a barrier against their occurrence. Developing and maintaining a good eating schedule with healthy foods is always good as many shift workers tend to rely on ready-to-eat foods that may be available. Since they are often on a different schedule from the rest of the family, many seldom eat family meals that may be healthier. A routine of exercise is good for anyone.
Enjoy Good Health and a Good Job
Many jobs in which people are required to work shifts offer some kind of incentive pay for those who work shifts. In these cases, it may be well worth the sacrifice. With good planning, you may still be able to have as much as possible of the best of both. A really important consideration is to preserve quality family time. When odd schedules interfere with that, relationships can suffer. With a little creative planning, they may be made as good as ever. If we don't have that, why are we even working?
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, N.J.