Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTH BUSINESS
For people who like to travel, the thought of having a job that allows you to see the world regularly may appear entertaining. For some, traveling to Paris is a bucket list achievement. But for the weary business professional that travels to France twice a month on business, the physical and mental constraints can be miserable.
Popular career website Indeed notes there are several industry positions that require frequent travel. Some of the most prevalent are train conductors, flight attendants, truck drivers, business consultants, and nurses. These professionals who travel often continually experience new places and things.
But “new” things can easily lead to “bad” health-related things. Professionals who travel for business regularly experience jet lag, which can lead to sleep deprivation. Sleep-deprived people can suffer from stress and anxiety. Continual lack of proper sleep can eventually lead to heart disease, depression, obesity, and more according to the National Institute of Health.
Frequent travel may also lead to dehydration. Dr. Vanessa Duncombe, an MD practicing in Gulfport, says her travels have “made me more conscientious about hydration while traveling and how much dehydration can affect all aspects of health.” Dehydration can lead to a loss of stamina, strength, and can affect kidney function.
Being on the road rarely provides the opportunity to eat healthy meals. Unhealthy eating habits can lead to constipation, vitamin deficiency, and numerous long-term problems like obesity.
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
Travelers seldom have time to work out consistently. The sedentary habits of travel can lead to weight gain, stiff joints and muscles, and during extended immobility periods, blood clots. A study published by the Harvard Review determined that the odds of becoming obese if traveling more than 21 nights a month is 92 percent higher than those who travel only six.
Dr. Duncombe believes mentally, travel is needed. “It allows the mind to take a break from everyday stressors, to relax, and experience the unusual,” she says.
So what can business travelers do to stay healthy during work? Committing to as close to eight hours a day of sleep as possible is important because rest is needed for the mind and body to function properly. Prevent sore muscles and the risk of blood clots by committing to daily physical activity. Staying hydrated is very important. Travelers can take supplements like vitamin C and iron to help strengthen the immune system against exposure to microbes. Consult a medical professional before beginning any new diet, supplement intake, workout routine, or long-distance travel.
112 | August 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living