What you do every day can have a massive impact on your health. Back and muscular problems, repetitive strain injuries, skin complaints and stress-they can all be attributed to our work. More and more American workers don’t take sick days when they are feeling bad. Sometimes it’s because of pressure on the job, sometimes it’s because they have projects due, sometimes it’s because their employers gives them no paid sick days.

American workers are not allowed to get sick. Many American workers, especially the middle-class and working-class, have no paid sick days under their employment policies, because they are not mandated by law. In additional tens of millions workers cannot use theirs to care for a sick family member.
Prevention is the key. Here are some jobs that have health risks and what you can to help yourself stay healthy.

1. Factory Worker

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   Upper limb disorders, known as repetitive strain injuries, are very common. Working with loud machinery can cause tinnitus or noise induced hearing loss. Reduce your risk by using both hands to do the job rather than the left or right. Take regular short breaks, keep warm-cold muscles do not extend properly-and don’t overstretch to do a task. For tinnitus, protection like ear plugs or ear defenders help. Remember that employers have a legal obligation to protect you.

2. Hairdresser
   

   Skin irritations from chemicals, bending over clients and lots of standing can lead to back problems and varicose veins. To reduce the risk, wear synthetic gloves (non-latex if allergic) when washing someone’s hair or when using chemical products. Use a stool when cutting hair. Try not to stoop or hunch your shoulders too much, and try to exercise your legs when possible.

3. Salesperson

   Lifting and carrying merchandise can cause back problems. Operating the cash register can bring on hand problems. You may also get varicose veins and swollen ankles from standing for a long period of time. To help with these problems, always bend from your knees and pull in your stomach muscles when carrying something heavy. Try to take regular breaks from repetitive actions and exercise your arms, hands and shoulders. Try to take a walk on your lunch break.

4. Full-Time Housewife

   Back pain from chores and lifting and carrying children are common. Ailments like coughs, cold and stomach bugs from children can be problems. The chance of kids bringing home head lice from school exist. You can also get headaches from the stress of so much multi-tasking. To make things better, bend with your knees, not your back. Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to raise you immunity. Wash your hands often. Drink plenty of water to help headhaches.

5. Flight Attendants
   

   Frequent flying on long haul routes offers not relief from jet lag. You can have problems from poor sleep, mood changes, decreased brain power and even disruption of the menstrual cycle. Air pressure during flights can cause ear problems. The recycled cabin air can be unhealthy, too. To counteract jet lag, reset your watch and eat and sleep according to your new time zone. Drink lots of water. Yawning and chewing gum can help counteract ear pressure. Try to avoid flying with an ear infection or cold. Wash your hands often.OFFICE WORKERS Staring at the computer screen all day can lead to headaches and eye fatigue. Long hours at the desk can cause musculoskeletal problems and hand problems. Lack of exercise can increase weight gain. To reduce the risks of illness, take regular breaks from the computer and keep your back supported. Walk and exercise your arms and fingers hourly. Take a walk at lunchtime.

6. Nurse

   The risk are many-back injuries from lifting patients, shift work can lead to poor concentration and tiredness, irregular hours make you more likely to snack, which can lead to obesity and poor immunity. Skin irritations from latex gloves, anti-bacterial gels and other medications are common. Some help will come if you bend your knees and pull in your stomach when lifting. Have a proper meal before work and eat only healthy snacks at work. Use a moisturizer to protect your hands.

7. Teacher

   Exposure to children’s viruses and minor ailments like cold and flu are problems. Standing for hours can lead to varicose veins and back problems. To help prevent illnesses, eat balanced meals and lots of fruits and vegetables daily to boost your immune system. Walking around instead of standing in one spot will reduce the risk of varicose veins. Use an antibacterial hand gel or wash your hands as often as possible.

A Few More Tips For Everyone

Wash your hands before eating! Don’t touch your hands to your face! Keep your hands out of your mouth! Wash your hands whenever the occasion permits.

Walking or cycling to work can be great exercise, but traffic fumes can cause asthma or breathing problems. Wearing a mask can help (forget the fact that you will look funny). When driving, make sure your seat and head rest support you properly.
Wearing shoes which are too high or a bad fit can cause problems such as blisters, corn and calluses as well as foot, knee, back pain and joint problems. Get a good pair of shoes that fit properly.

Stress at any job can lead to headaches, insomnia, skin problems, overeating or loss of appetite, as well as long term problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, alcoholism and depression. Try to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and try relaxation exercises or a hobby to unwind.