How traffic affects your body

• Traffic has unfortunately become a way of life in the Philippines, so much so that we’ve placed 3rd in terms of the worst traffic in Southeast Asia. While the situation is unlikely to be remedied anytime soon, it might be of interest to know what happens to our bodies as a result of hours of daily EDSA traffic.

   

  Effects on the body

  • Stress: A study conducted by the Washington University in St. Louis found that the routine of driving along congested roads for long periods of time can lead to chronic stress and fatigue. Manifestations of this stress often include problems with physical and even mental health.

  • Increased weight: Traffic can also slow down a person’s metabolic rate. The lack of physical activity as a result of driving or commuting can put a person at greater risk for obesity.

  • Respiratory problems: Air pollution is a harmful effect that comes with the use of cars and the emission of all those particles and gasses can bring about effects that range from chest pain and difficulty breathing to various respiratory diseases. It can also aggravate the systems of those with preexisting conditions like asthma and pneumonia.

  • Higher risk for cardiovascular diseases:  Vehicle congestion has been shown to cause higher blood pressure and arterial inflammation. Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to more serious conditions like heart attacks and even strokes.

  • Sleep deprivation: Long hours on the road mean less time for sleep, which is necessary for optimal brain function. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to productivity loss, weakened immunity,

  • Higher risk for diabetes: The lower metabolic rate due to inactivity in traffic can also put a person at risk for diabetes.

  Sustainable solutions

  • Physical activity: Counteract those hours spent idle in the passenger seat and engage in some form of exercise. Whether it’s yoga or just walking, physically engaging your body reduces the risk for many physical ailments associated with inactivity.

  • Mediation: While traffic is difficult (or nearly impossible) to control, managing one’s mindset is one way to practice better stress management. Apps tracks available on platforms like spotify can help ground oneself to tune out of the chaos and create a work-life balance.

  • Observing a proper diet: A healthy lifestyle is not complete without a proper diet. Ensuring that one consumes nutrient-rich meals is a prime way to reduce the incidence for various diseases.

  • Limiting exposure to air pollution: Although difficult, one can endeavor to limit exposure to pollution by wearing masks on long commutes and keeping windows closed.

  While you can’t solve traffic, you can equip yourself with one of our plans to beat the diseases that may come your way.

  (Sources: World Health Organization: Transport and Health, Medical News Today, University of California Irvine, Healthline)

Source: mariahealth.ph

18 სექტმებერი 2023 წელი.