Q: I have a very physical job as a stonemason, but it doesn't seem to keep my weight or my cholesterol level down. Why should I still have to go to the gym when I'm hauling things and moving around for hours every day? -- Leon T., Pittsburgh
A: That's a great question that applies to millions of folks with jobs as diverse as firefighter, ballet dancer and nurse. You may be interested to know that a Business Insider investigation evaluated the time spent walking or running, stamina and strength required by various jobs, and found that the most physically demanding was being a dancer. Your job ranked 18th out of 27.
As hard as you work, amped-up physical demands from a job don't translate to physical health, according to a new 10-year study in the European Heart Journal. Researchers found that folks who were active at work increased their risk of cardiovascular issues, and their risk of death went up 13% (for high activity) and 27% (for very high activity) compared with folks who had low-activity jobs. It seems folks with physically demanding jobs tend to take it easy and indulge when they're off the clock. Plus, repeated heavy lifting raises blood pressure, and on-the-job walking is rarely brisk enough to increase heart rate. That adds up to a less-healthy lifestyle.
The study also showed that moderate, high and very high amounts of leisure-time activity provide major protection: The risk of death over those 10 years was reduced by 26%, 41% and 40%, respectively, compared with folks with low leisure-time activity. So take a look at what you're doing after work that's hard on your heart and adding pounds. Try leisure activities like interval walking for 30 minutes, yoga or tai chi. And upgrade your diet. You know the drill: more plants, no added sugars, less saturated fat and highly processed foods, and moderate alcohol intake.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer Emeritus at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily(at sign)sharecare.com.
(c)2021 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.