Business travel may seem all that, but according to a new study by the UK’s University of Surrey, it has serious downsides. Not only does it necessitate car insurance if you do a lot of driving, but after considering the health disadvantages, getting medical gap cover might also not be a bad idea. Here are seven ways your health suffers from frequent travel…and what you need to counter it:
- You’ll age faster
How can hopping on a couple of flights to Asia or Europe a month impact how fast you age? Turns out that frequent flying can lead to chronic jet lag, which has been linked in studies to disrupting gene expression that influences aging. - You’ll be exposed to more radiation than a nuclear power worker
Those who fly far and frequently are also exposed to high amounts of radiation. One study showed that commercial aircrews have more exposure than nuclear power workers. If you travel the equivalent of round trip from New York to Tokyo seven times a year, you’ve probably exceeded official radiation limits. - Your immune system will be weaker
Being close to all your fellow travellers’ germs can’t be great for your health, but it’s actually the jet lag’s effect on your immune system that’s more likely to get you sick. Travel-related exhaustion can even switch off genes that are linked to the immune system. - You’ll probably be fatter
It’s hard to hit the gym when you’re always hustling to catch a plane, or recovering from a tiring trip. Plus, plane and airport food isn’t known for its healthfulness (and all those mini alcoholic drinks do add up), so it’s no surprise that frequent travellers are prone to obesity. Simple hacks like packing healthy snacks and working out on the road can however limit the negative effects of frequent travelling. - You’ll be more stressed
Racking up frequent flyer miles isn’t just rough on your body, it’s rough on your mind as well. The disruption of the circadian rhythm from jet lag affects mood, judgment, and concentration for up to six days. One study found World Bank employees who travelled frequently made three times more claims to their medical insurance for psychological issues, compared to colleagues who didn’t travel. - You could damage your relationships
Relationships with family, friends and community can also suffer from excessive travel. One study found that a child’s behaviour can worsen when a parent spends extended periods of time away for business travel. Other research showed that frequent trips create an imbalance in domestic duties and childcare. Since the majority of business travellers are male, women most often end up with additional domestic burdens. - Your memory could suffer
People who travel far enough long enough, might just end up hurting their memory. Jet lag in its chronic form as demonstrated by a study on cabin crew, caused cognitive deficits like memory impairment.
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If you’re a frequent business traveller and concerned about its effects on your health, medical gap cover can offer that extra peace of mind that you’ll be covered for medical shortfalls when you need it most. iWYZE Gap Cover is a wise solution that’s affordable too. GET A GAP COVER QUOTE today!
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Additional source:
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/7-ways-frequent-business-travel-harms-your-health.html
