Dads who work too hard are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That’s according to a new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. The study looked at data from more than 10,000 men and found that those who worked more than 55 hours per week were at a higher risk for these diseases.
So why are dads who work too hard more likely to suffer from these diseases? The study’s lead author, Dr. Mika Kivimaki, says it could be because working long hours leads to stress, which can then lead to unhealthy behaviors like smoking and not exercising. It can also disrupt sleep, which can have a negative impact on health.
Dads who work too hard are also more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI), which measures body fat. And they’re more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. All of these factors can contribute to the development of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The good news is that there are things dads can do to reduce their risk of these diseases. Getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress can all help. And if you’re worried about your risk, talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay healthy.
How Working Long Hours Impacts Health
Working long hours has been linked to a variety of health problems. In addition to the increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, it can also lead to:
Cancer
Dads who work too hard are at a higher risk for cancer, according to a new study. The American Cancer Society’s study found that fathers who put in long hours at work were more likely to develop cancer than those who didn’t. The research team examined data from over 1,900 men, and they found that those who worked more than 55 hours per week had a 30% higher risk of cancer than those who worked fewer than 40 hours per week.
Cancer treatments may vary, but cancer immunotherapy is the most promising option. This treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
High blood pressure
One of the most common diseases among dads who work too hard is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often caused by stress, and it’s easy to see how your blood pressure could start to rise when you’re constantly under pressure at work. If your blood pressure is starting to creep up, make an appointment with your doctor to check it out. There are several ways to treat high blood pressure, but it’s essential to catch it early, so it doesn’t lead to more serious problems down the road.
Heart Disease
Another common disease among dads who work too hard is heart disease. Stress can take a toll on your heart, and if you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re at risk for a heart attack or stroke. If you’re worried about your heart health, talk to your doctor and get regular checkups. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease, such as exercise and eating a healthy diet.
Sleep problems
People who work long hours are more likely to have sleep problems like insomnia. This is because they often have difficulty winding down after work and may worry about work-related issues while trying to sleep. Sleep problems can lead to fatigue, making it difficult to exercise and eat a healthy diet.
Weight gain
People who work long hours often have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. This is because they may eat unhealthy food on the go or skip meals altogether. They may also have less time for physical activity. All this can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. You can avoid weight gain by making time for physical activity, eating healthy meals, and getting enough sleep.
Anxiety and depression
Long work hours have been linked to anxiety and depression. This may be due to the increased stress that comes with working long hours or the lack of social interaction that often occurs when someone works long hours. Anxiety and depression are both significant risk factors for heart disease. If possible, try to get adequate sleep and make time for social activities. This will help you reduce your stress level and may help prevent anxiety and depression.
Final thoughts
Working hard for your family is admirable, but it’s important to remember that your health should come first. If you’re working too hard and find yourself at risk of developing any of these diseases, make sure to talk to your doctor about what steps you can take to reduce your risk. With a few lifestyle changes and regular checkups, you can keep yourself healthy and be there for your family.
