Driving Yourself Unhealthy?

Driving your car every day might not be natural but, often, it’s necessary. If you live out in the backwoods like me, where the grocery store is a 30 minute ride and the only public transport is a haywagon, sometimes you just need to gas up and go.

As you could imagine, daily driving does pose some health concerns. Think about it: sitting in stressful traffic jams, stuffed in a confined space, surrounded by plastic and gas fumes…. no matter where you’re headed, illness may be just around the corner. But if you recognize some of these common bad driving behaviors and cut them out of your cruise, you can make driving a little less hard on your health.

Dining While Driving

 Mobile meals are notoriously bad for you. If it comes in a package or bag, it should bear a big red flag…it’s probably loaded with extra fat and calories. What’s more, munching while driving promotes mindless eating habits; you’ll be more likely to down a medium fry when you’re not focused on your food or your full stomach.

But it’s not a losing battle. If you must eat on the run, stick to snacks that will fill you up with some good-for-you ingredients. Stock your glove compartment with a few portioned baggies of almonds and Craisins for a snack full of protein and antioxidants. Blend a power shake of fruit, yogurt and wheat germ and bring it on the road in your to-go mug. Munch an apple to keep you full on fiber and more alert while driving. And, as always, forgo anything fried on the drive-thru menus… stick to lean meat sandwiches and egg white options whenever you can.

The Sit-and-Slouch

I give these new cars credit for trying to be posture-friendly, but the fact of the matter is, driving puts strain on the back no matter how the seat is designed.

When you sit for long periods of time, you put significant stress on the vertebrae and discs. Already in a state of discomfort, the back is then subjected to jolting and vibrations that can jiggle the alignment of the spine. Because car seats must be tilted back to allow leg room, the neck must be held at an awkward angle in order to look straight ahead. The only way to prevent this is to slouch forward and damage the natural curvature of your lumbar.

To cut down on back pain and long term injury, make sure you scatter long car trips with frequent stretching breaks. Get out, stand up, arch your back, swing your arms… release the tension from your body before it gets too comfortable and decides to stay! If you have the means, invest in a lumbar support pillow for your car seat that will keep your posture in proper alignment for the whole ride.

Cranking the AC

This has been a heavily debated theory, but new studies indicate that cars emit enough toxic fumes to cause concern. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization revealed that new cars may give off benzene, formaldehyde and other dangerous gases as a byproduct of the plastics and adhesives used in the automobile.

By blasting your air conditioning, or heat, in an unventilated car, you may be stirring up the fumes and increasing your level of exposure. It is suggested that you should keep a window cracked for several minutes after you turn on your heating and cooling system to allow fresh air to circulate.

Signs of too much exposure include headache, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness. Long-term exposure to these gases could potentially result in cancer or birth defects.

Bumping Beats

I’m of the Millenial generation and, as such, I’m rarely unplugged from my iPod. The car is no exception; in fact, it’s one of my top spots to enjoy music. Cranking your favorite tunes can make a monotonous ride more bearable and a tired driver more alert. Still, this loud habit can have a lasting effect on your hearing. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, listening to music regularly at over 85 decibels loud can lead to long-term hearing loss. The typical car stereo has a maximum volume of 110 to 170 decibels, so if you have a tendency to blast the radio, you could be creating a dangerous situation for your hearing.

The best solution to avoiding these risks is simply to turn it down. You can still enjoy great music without compromising your health and safety. 

Smoking

I don’t have to say much about this one. Smoking, especially in a confined car, is hazardous to you and those around you. The danger is so high that some states, such as Maine and New York, have pushed for or implemented a legal ban on smoking in cars. Some people claim that this is an invasion of privacy, but others don’t buy that excuse. Queens’ Environmental Protection Committee Chairman James Gennaro said it best, “Boo-hoo. You can’t subject kids to 43 carcinogens and 250 poisonous chemicals and claim privacy. Get over it. Their right to privacy doesn’t extend so far as to poisoning kids.”

Traffic Tension

We’ve all seen it. You’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour and someone in the car next to you is laying on the horn, yelling profanities out the window. Or maybe you’re the one yelling. Either way, instances of “road rage” are a common occurrence on our streets.

If you have a tendency to get angry behind the wheel, or get behind the wheel when angry, you could be putting yourself and others in an unhealthy or unsafe situation. Traffic-related tension can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, backaches and the other harmful effects of stress. It also makes you a liability on the road, as your emotions could be clouding your judgment. Those of us that are prone to road rage should practice a few key actions to avoid dangerous driving.

1. Cool down before you gas up. Don’t get into a car if you’re already in a state of anger. Take a minute to get yourself together so you’ll be less likely to act it out on other drivers.
2.  Create a mobile sanctuary. The yoga studio isn’t the only place to relax. The car is a great place to practice deep breathing and listen to some soothing music. A good nature soundtrack might keep your head clear and calm. Dab on some lemon or mint essential oil to revive your senses and enjoy that time.
3. Take your time. When you’re running late, even the slightest hold up is bound to get on your nerves. Make it a priority to plan out your day, including departure times, so your travels are less chaotic. And don’t be afraid to delegate. Arrange to have the neighbors pick up your kids from school every other day, and vice versa, so you’ll have extra time to do afternoon errands. Have the husband or wife pick up the dry-cleaning on their way home from work so you don’t have to rush there before it closes. You’re not a Superhero, so you shouldn’t try to fly around the world and back before dinnertime.

Sometimes, we have no choice but to drive through life, so you might as well make it a comfortable ride. Try to break away from these bad driving habits to keep yourself healthy and out of harm’s way. There are still a lot of miles left in you, so make them count!

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