In our Health Alert tonight, your job could be putting you at risk for heart disease. That’s according to a recent study that looked at women’s occupation and heart health.
According to researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia, the profession at the top of the list were female social workers. They were 36% more likely to have heart issues.
Right behind them were retail cashiers, with a 33% higher risk. Then came home health aids and psychiatrists with a 16% higher risk. And finally, the last profession noted was definitely not a surprise to me - because I often work alongside these women and know how hard they work - nurses also made the list with a 14% higher risk of heart problems.
Researchers did find that a few professions were beneficial. Women real estate brokers and sales agents topped the list with a 24% lower risk when it came to cardiovascular problems. And administrative assistants also made the list, with an 11% lower risk for heart issues.
The researchers did not give any particular reasons. But these careers can affect heart health in so many ways.
For instance, work stress, sitting too much, and working long hours are just a few things that can up anyone’s risk for heart problems.
Now, should you quit your job and change careers? Well, that’s a possibility if you really don’t like your job or if the stress at work is too much. But know that job stress will still likely happen, regardless of your career.
What’s really important is knowing how to handle stress so that it doesn’t affect your health. Yoga, meditation and exercise are great ways to burn off tension and worry. And of course, don’t forget it’s also important that you eat healthy, not smoke and get enough sleep.
