Ways in which traffic jams are affecting your health

Traffic congestion in major cities in Kenya is a huge problem. The average Kenyan worker living in urban areas spends on average one to two and a half hours in traffic jam.

Although most of us consider this to be a minor nuisance, sitting in traffic jams for prolonged periods has been associated with poor overall health.

Respiratory problems

Exhaust fumes are known to be toxic to the body – especially when inhaled in large volumes (as is the case during traffic jam). Our respiratory system is made up of the nose, windpipe and lungs.

Although the nose is able to filter out dust particles and prevent them from entering the lungs, it is unfortunately, unable to filter out harmful exhaust pipe gases. These are taken up directly into the lungs where they have harmful effects.
Most people report worsening of symptoms of allergy, asthma and bronchitis. There are also concerns that exposure to the pollutants in exhaust fumes can increase the risk of lung cancer.

What can you do: Roll up your car windows to minimize exposure to harmful gases. If you need to use your air conditioner, set it on recycle mode (preferably, turn it on prior to getting into a traffic congested area).

You, however, should avoid travelling with closed windows in public transport due to the risk of transmission of respiratory tract infections such as tuberculosis (TB).

Poor posture and pain

Sitting in a confined space for prolonged periods of time prompts most commuters to adapt poor postures like slouching in the car seat or leaning on the steering wheel. This often leads to neck and back pain. Driving in traffic also puts strain on your ankle and knee joints as you are constantly shifting between the accelerator, brake and clutch. If your seat is not a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, you will note some elbow and even wrist discomfort after a long commute.

What can you do: Ensure that you maintain good posture during your entire commute. Sit upright and ensure your back and neck are properly supported. Adjust your seat so that the steering wheel is at a comfortable distance.

Mental health issues

Anger, agitation, anxiety and stress are common outcomes of driving in congested traffic jams on a daily basis. You are constantly worrying that the traffic jam will make you late for work.

Often you feel like getting out of your car to give errant and inconsiderate drivers a piece of your mind. Worst-case scenarios include physical altercations, even murder, because of road rage.

Traffic jams are also detrimental for people with pre-existing mental health problems. People with depression also report worsening of symptoms if they have to deal with constant gridlocks on the road.Red flag: if you have uncontrollable road rage, please seek help from either a counsellor or psychiatrist to help you find methods of re-channeling your anger. Avoid carrying weapons with you.

Headaches

Tension headaches are a common complaint amongst commuters. This type of headache tends to get worse at the end of the day and may include a sensation of tightness around the neck and temples. Usually, vision is not affected.

What you can do: These headaches tend to respond to relaxation, massages and over the counter painkillers.

Work performance

Work performance is also affected by long periods spent in traffic jams on a daily basis. This is usually due to chronic fatigue and the stress of travelling. The most common complaint is reduced concentration and poor memory.

What you can do: Take regular breaks whilst you are at work. During these breaks, completely stop the work related activity and, if possible, go for a short walk (even if it is just to the parking lot).

Take a few deep breaths, stretch and relax. Taking breaks from work related tasks has been known to improve performance in a large number of office workers.

Chronic fatigue

Most commuters report that they are constantly tired during the week. The long hours needed to commute to work means that most people do not get sufficient sleep during the week. Sitting for long hours during the commute also results in constant aches and pains, which contribute to fatigue.

What you can do: try to get sufficient amounts of sleep daily (the quantity varies between individuals but usually, 6-8 hours should suffice). In addition, invest in relaxation techniques during your commute, such as listening soothing music.

Hearing problems

Listening to very loud music and constant blaring of horns can affect your hearing in the long run. Where possible, keep your music to a soothing volume (whether you are listening to it on your headphones or through your car speaker).

Tip: if the person seated next to you can hear the music on your headphones then it is too loud (potentially harmful to your hearing). Similarly, if the driver in the car next to you can hear the music from your system, you are probably too loud for safe listening.

Until we establish an effective public transport system, traffic jams will remain unavoidable. It is, therefore, important that we make the trips as comfortable as possible and minimize the risks to our well-being.