How to Keep Your Job From Literally Killing You

What’s the Latest Development?

American productivity has tripled since 1947, and in the midst of our stumbling economic recovery, those who are fortunate enough to have jobs are feeling the pressure of competing in the global marketplace. Numerous studies show that long working hours are associated with increased drug and alcohol use, not to mention higher stress levels. It seems the more time you spend working, the less time you have to take care of yourself. And working the wrong hours can be just as bad. Those who work over-night shifts are at greater risk for diabetes, cancer and heart disease. 

What’s the Big Idea?

As in many areas of life, finding a balance is essential. If you work in an office, just getting up to walk around could save your life. “Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that inactivity simply due to sitting led to wild swings in metabolism… Even if you’re only seated for eight hours a day, your risk of death is still 15 percent greater than someone who sits for half that time.” On the other hand, sustained unemployment has been associated with higher levels of depression and much higher mortality rates. In the end, unemployment brings far greater health risks, say experts. 

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