Although I have never traveled for business, I have always envied those who do. ?Until now.
A new study from Columbia University?s Mailman School of Public Health tells us that those business travelers I?ve been envying, the ones who travel with the nonchalance of the habituated, who get automatic upgrades from their tens of thousands of racked-up airmiles, who are always checking in at international airports and star-spangled hotels only to rub our noses via Twitter or Facebook, are actually at greater risk of developing significant health problems. ?According to the study, those who traveled more than 20 days in one month had a higher BMI, higher blood pressure, and were 260% more likely to rate their health as fair to poor compared to light travelers.
Perhaps most shocking of all, 92% were more likely to be obese.
Seeing the data, it?s not hard to support the figures with my own anecdotal evidence. ?I?ve tried to buy carrot juice and apples in airport cafes, but healthy choices are overwhelmingly outnumbered by fat and sugar-laden meals and snacks. ?And I?ve been only too quick to abandon my healthy intentions, opting instead for chocolates or french fries and munching away as though the fat, carbs, and calories would be left behind in the terminal as I boarded the plane.
Desserts at the Angelina Cafe, Paris
Also, there?s the ineluctable desire to sample the local fare. ?I?ve dined in places such as the Angelina Cafe in Paris, where sweets beckon to the diners as unequivocally as Alice?s size-altering cakes. ??Be in the moment!? they say. ?You must try me!? ? The Japanese mochi, the English cheeses, and the Indian kulfi are among those delights I?ve found it impossible to resist? but can you blame me?
For many, overeating stems from the physical and psychological difficulties of a travel-heavy lifestyle. ?On any trip, one suffers from stress and fatigue. ?Presumably business travelers suffer more than leisure travelers, but these factors can spur anyone to reach for more food, and unhealthy food at that. ?And for business travelers, their food is often on the company dime, and they are likely to order more of it.
Boxes of Mochi in Japan...More sweets i can't resist
Now I?ve always thought of business travel as mostly air travel, but the authors of the Columbia study note that 81% percent of business travel is accomplished via automobile. ?For these travelers, this spells out limited food options and copious time in the driver?s seat. ?Add a pinch of boredom behind the wheel, and we can even more easily explain the spike in caloric intake.
Going forward, travelers can take something from this study (and don?t worry, it?ll fit in your hand luggage). ?Those of us who care about our health have to be more demanding. ?Are we powerless as captive consumers, or are the airports and service plazas just capitalizing on the willingness one feels to let cares go? ?A little of both, perhaps. ?It?s time to take back the control by buying healthier, fresher foods when we?re on the road and petitioning for restaurants we encounter to carry more of them. ?And, do whatever we can to exercise and keep our spirits up when you?re away from home, however we decide to do that.
Me in Venice's Vegetable Market...I don't look too convinced
I want to see business travelers everywhere healthy, because I don?t want to feel sorry for these jetsetters with their expense accounts and their five-star accommodations. ?I?d rather go back to envying their rewards cards, the way it?s meant to be.
Referenced articles:
http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/academic-departments/epidemiology/research-service/travelers-alert-business-travel-linked-obesity-an
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/fast_track/9499021.stm
Source: http://karenregn.com/2011/06/forget-business-traveler-envy/
the mentalist pete doherty rei haley reinhart judgement day judgement day may 21 daily news
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.