Before you pop open that can of soda or order French fries instead of rice or a salad, stop! Studies show that there is a connection between employees' diets and lifestyle and their likelihood of getting hurt at work. In other words, what you eat can have an impact on your safety and increase your chances or workplace injuries.
Here's how that's possible.
Going for Too Long without a Snack Can Affect Your Judgement
You're not yourself when you are hungry says a famous chocolate bar commercial, and it's correct.
Your blood sugar can get low if you go too long without a meal. You will start feeling lethargic, light-headed, and you may have difficulties focusing and processing information. All these factors can lead to errors that could endanger you and those around you.
Take a break whenever you are offered. If that is not possible, then have a snack to keep your blood sugar levels within parameters. Make a habit of packing healthy snacks like fruits, finger veggies with hummus or cream cheese.
You're Eating Too Many Saturated Fats
Studies show that a diet high in saturated fats can affect brain health. Numerous reports show that there is a connection between consuming food with a high amount of saturated fats and an increased risk of dementia. Declining cognitive functions can affect your judgment and decision making, which can put yourself as well as others at risk.
Try to reduce the consumption of saturated fats by replacing fast-food meals with fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and home-cooked meals.
Too Little Protein Can Make You Sluggish
Protein deficiency can cause a variety of health problems, such as weakness and fatigue, mood changes, tiredness, and difficulties concentrating. Not only that, but those with low levels of protein often find that their injuries take longer to heal. That may be because your body is not producing enough collagen, which is essential for making blood clots. So, if you get injured and have low levels of proteins, then you may be looking at a longer recovery period.
Doctors advise that 10% of our calorie intake should come from protein. Food such as yogurt, beans or chicken breast are some healthy options.
Prevention Is Key
You are what you eat, and what you eat can affect you on a large scale. The food you consume can not only make you unhealthy but put you at risk of getting hurt too.
If you were injured while doing your job, then a healthy lifestyle or not, you have the right to receive compensation for your medical costs and lost wages. Talk with a St. Louis work injury attorney right now and they will tell you what you should do next and how to maximize your chances of receiving compensation that reflects the extent of your injuries.
Comments