'The Healthy Juan' puts the spotlight on the health of jeepney drivers
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A study shows that the poor working environment of jeepney drivers pose a grave threat to their health.
We often read the sign “basta driver, sweet lover” inside jeepneys, but things may not always be sweet for our beloved jeepney drivers.
A study conducted by the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines revealed that their working conditions pose threats to their health and safety.
It said that an average jeepney driver works at least 10 hours behind the wheel, thus exposing them to threats that may harm their health, including bodily discomfort and pain --- all thanks to their less ergonomic seating conditions.
On top of that, these workers are also prone to other illnesses, including lung disease due to constant exposure to pollution, fatigue, and stress due to their long working hours.
The study also found that drivers choose to ignore these problems simply because they don't have the money to customize their workspace, so they grew accustomed to these working conditions.
Source: GMA Public Affairs (YouTube)
This shouldn't be the case at all, says Supervising Health Program Officer Rene Timbang of the Department of Health.
In an episode of The Healthy Juan, he explains that an adequate distance between the steering wheel and driver must be in place to prevent pain points from developing into severe illnesses.
“Siguraduhin na may sapat na working space para hindi cramped 'yung pinagmamanehuhan o 'yung driver's area natin,” he shares.
“Dapat rin may maayos na upuan at may tamang distansya, kung baga hindi masikip, para makaiwas sa ilang muscular o skeletal disorder.”
Drivers must also do their part in making sure they're free from illnesses by maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating small but helpful exercises in their schedule.
“Nakaktulong din ang proper stretching at ugaliin na magkaroon tayo ng break,” Timbang adds.
“Kailangan panatilihing malusog ang ating pangangatawan. Ang healthy lifestyle ay ang pag-iwas sa paninigarilyo, pag-iwas sa alak at masasamang bisyo.
“Kailangan kumain din tayo ng mga masusustansyang pagkain at pagiwas sa mga maalat, matatamis, at sobrang taas na cholesterol na pagkain.
Protective gears such as a face mask is essential for drivers since they are exposed to pollution the whole day.
“Importante rin na magsuot tayo ng face mask dahil ito ay nakakatulong sa pagbawas ng ating exposure sa air pollution,” he concluded.
Source: GMA Public Affairs (YouTube)
For more information about how jeepney drivers should improve their health, be sure to check the video from The Healthy Juan above.
