In almost every country, congestion is one of the most difficult problems to overcome. In addition to making travel time longer, constantly stuck in traffic can increase the risk of health problems.
Taking a private vehicle or public transportation, being in the middle of a traffic jam can make you mood deteriorating and impairing health. Health problems that lurk can be triggered by several factors, such as air pollution, sitting or sitting still for long periods of time, and stress.
The Danger of Pollution Amid Congestion
Vehicle exhaust contains harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that around 7 million people die from air pollution every year. Around 91 percent of deaths occur in Pacific and Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia.
The risk of health problems due to air pollution is greater for people who live or work on the edge of the highway, motorcyclists, and workers who use bus transportation to commute to work.
According to research, people who are often stuck in traffic are at risk of exposure to pollution 29 times greater than those who drive on smooth roads.
Exposure to air pollution in the midst of this traffic jam can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer also lurk. The risk will be even greater if in the middle of a traffic jam you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke.
The risk of lingering in the vehicle
Not only pollution, longer trips require you to stand or sit for longer periods of time. This condition can cause health problems such as increased blood sugar and cholesterol, and fat accumulation around the pelvis.
Besides, habit multitasking such as listening to music, on the phone, or doing something in the middle of a traffic jam, you should also limit and reduce it so that other health problems are avoided.
Listen to music using headset with a large volume, for example, can increase the risk of hearing loss. Frequent phone calls and doing work in traffic jams can take up more brain energy. This is dangerous because it can make you unfocused driving.
From a psychological point of view, research shows that people who drive generally experience increased blood pressure and negative emotions, especially when the roads are congested. This is what makes disputes between motorists often unavoidable when they are in traffic jams.
Reducing the risk of health problems when traffic jams
There are several ways that can be done to reduce the risk of health problems when traffic jams, including:
Close the car window
Air pollution in the car can also occur, so you are advised to open the windows when driving in a beautiful and clean environment. On the other hand, you need to close the windows when driving in a traffic jam so that polluted air doesn't get into the car.
Keep thinking positive
When your emotions start to escalate, try to stay positive. This can help ease your emotions and make your driving more comfortable. Remember, anger and emotions won't solve traffic jams, but more often than not they cause other problems.
Look for alternative transportation
Lastly, try to think of alternative transportation that keeps you from getting stuck in traffic. One alternative transportation that can be considered is the train.
In big cities, congestion is difficult to avoid. However, it would be nice if you always apply a healthy lifestyle, so that your body does not get sick easily. If you experience symptoms of shortness of breath or dizziness, you should immediately consult a doctor. It could be that the condition is caused by exposure to toxins from air pollution on the streets.
