Workers forced to travel often on business aren't doing their hearts any favour.
Workers forced to travel often on business aren't doing their hearts any favour.
Researchers from America found that people who travel for business 20 days or more per month are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than light travellers who were on the go only a few days per month. They analysed the medical records of more than 13,000 people in a corporate wellness programme. Nearly 80 percent of them were away from home overnight at least once a month and 1 percent was away from home nearly 20 days a month. Compared to light travelers (who travelled 1 to 6 days a month) those who travelled 20 or more days a month had a higher body mass index (27.5 vs. about 26); a lower level of good high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; and higher diastolic blood pressure (76.2 vs. 74.6 mm Hg). Diastolic pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
Frequent travelers were also almost three times more likely to rate their health as being only poor to fair, compared to people who were traveling less often.
The study findings suggest that individuals who travel extensively for work are at increased risk for health problems and should be encouraged to monitor their health. Further research is needed to substantiate a link between business travel and obesity and other chronic disease health outcomes. However, employee education programs and strategies to improve diet and activity while traveling are a simple start.
Researchers from America found that people who travel for business 20 days or more per month are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than light travellers who were on the go only a few days per month. They analysed the medical records of more than 13,000 people in a corporate wellness programme. Nearly 80 percent of them were away from home overnight at least once a month and 1 percent was away from home nearly 20 days a month. Compared to light travelers (who travelled 1 to 6 days a month) those who travelled 20 or more days a month had a higher body mass index (27.5 vs. about 26); a lower level of good high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; and higher diastolic blood pressure (76.2 vs. 74.6 mm Hg). Diastolic pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
Frequent travelers were also almost three times more likely to rate their health as being only poor to fair, compared to people who were traveling less often.
The study findings suggest that individuals who travel extensively for work are at increased risk for health problems and should be encouraged to monitor their health. Further research is needed to substantiate a link between business travel and obesity and other chronic disease health outcomes. However, employee education programs and strategies to improve diet and activity while traveling are a simple start.
COMMENT
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
