See our top 10 unhealthy jobs list, and find out how your job ranks out.

How & why
Our jobs impact our health
The main way work impacts health is through stress.  Physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual stress takes a toll on us and leads to varying health problems.  Jobs demand a lot from us, from the overrated multitasking to sleepless nights and annoying coworkers, our bodies are constantly tasked beyond safe limits, posing serious health risks.

As if that is not enough, unhealthy habits, poor diets and lack of hydration increase the risk.  Many people are compelled by work pressures to poor diets: processed foods and snacks, and are often oblivious of the benefits of proper hydration.  Deadlines, presentations, emails, noise, EMFs (electromagnetic frequency), temperature changes, poor ventilation or lack of fresh air and difficult co-workers or bosses all affect our health.  Add a bad habit like smoking into the mix and you tip the scale to risky proportions.

Did u know?
Technological advances: emails, voicemail, text messaging, faxes, twitters have further stressed workers?  A study conducted by Pitney Bowes, the Institute for the Future, the Gallup Organization, and San Jose State University in California suggests sending and receiving messages takes up so much of the workday, forcing employees to take real work home.

The immune system protects us from invasion of bacteria, fungus, virus, and yeast and cancer cells.  Immune cells that fight off these unwanted cells are constantly been produced in the bone marrow, and carried in the blood.  They destroy toxins and microbes that enter the body.

An enormous amount of nutrients is needed by the immune system to function properly.  Processed foods with added chemicals, preservatives, and artificial colors unfortunately do not provide adequate nutrition for immune function.  Processed sugar alone is known to suppress the immune system, leaving the body prone to infections.  Symptoms such as allergies, sinus problems etc are indicative of the immune system battling invasion.

Since we spend most of our time at work, our immune system takes a beating from the unending battle with toxins to keep us healthy.  Viruses and toxins may lay dormant for years until the immune system becomes too weak to protect the body from their effects.  Then show up suddenly, causing serious health problems.  It takes time for them to infuse into healthy cells and multiply to do damage.

Also, there is the unending attack of chemicals, living and nonliving materials that attack the body from work environments.  The kind of work environment you find yourself today will ultimately determine your health in the future.  Plus, some people add to it with harmful cleaning solvents in the home.

Take for example, a painter who smokes consumes a lot of sodas and processed foods; his wife, a pest control technician cleans the home with bleach and other harmful chemicals (see the Bushman’s Spring Cleaning tips).  Add two in-house dogs and kids, and you have a high risk home for numerous health problems.

Bottom line:
Jobs mount pressure on the immune system making us vulnerable to sickness and diseases.  Bad habits and poor diets add to the problem.  Immune support is needed to fight back.

Here are some of the reasons why regular exercise could help with unhealthy job effects:

Exercise is an immune stimulant.  Exercise is known to boost the immune system up to 13% affording the body a better fighting against sickness and disease.  If you have a stressful job that does not allow for exercise, or you think your job is enough exercise, you may be missing one thing: exercise does not have to be strenuous like you are going for a new Olympic record!  A 20-30 minute walk may be all you need to activate your immune system.

A construction worker, for instance, may labor all day pounding cement block, tearing down walls, and doing a lot of heavy lifting.  Enough exercise, right?  Maybe so, but he could do with some stretching and calming exercises such as yoga and tai chi.

Exercise makes for improved digestion, raised metabolism, and therefore affords your body a better fighting chance against sickness and diseases. 
When you are well rested your body is better able to defend you against foreign invaders.  Lack of sleep is a major cause of high blood pressure.  About everyone I have met with high blood pressure have had their sleep patterns affected in one way or another.  Exercise helps correct sleep disorder by enabling the body fall asleep and stay asleep all night.

The skin is the largest organ of the body.  The skin is also a channel of elimination.  The main substance eliminated via the skin is water, in form of sweat.  The body gets rid of poisons and toxins through sweat.  Exercise ensures this process.

Did U Know?
There is more lymphatic fluid in our bodies than blood?  Lymphatic fluids…
Exercise also ensures proper bowel movement.  The bottom-line is when you exercise, things move…literally!

When you sweat and release wastes, the body needs to be re-hydrated.  Exercise improves hydration practices.  People who hardly drink water pant for it after exercise.  Proper hydration is key to the health of every organ and every metabolic process in the body.  See hydration…

The most common benefit of exercise is by far weight loss.  However, at Bushman fitness, weight loss is not an important concept as weight management.  Exercise provides a necessary means to proper weight management.  See weight management tips.

Botanical name:

Elderberry has been with man for a long time.  It has existed for centuries, and has earned quite a reputation.  From esteemed, to feared, and respected, even evil reputations, depending on the century or country in question.  It is a member of the honeysuckle family.  The word “Elder” is believed to come from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld, which means fire. 

However, some suggest its generic name sambucus come from a Greek musical instrument, sambuke, supposedly made from Elderberry wood.  As a musical instrument it was used to make music to heal the spirit, they say.  Elderberry has always had some therapeutic connotations attached to it; the cross of Christ was made from the Elderberry tree.  Thank God for Elderberry!

Ripe Elderberries

For centuries the plant has had contrasting and conflicting reputations: carpenters feared a cradle made from its wood would bring harm to babies; when gathered on the last day of April, it was believed to keep witches at bay hung on windows and doors; and at the same time it attracted witches after dark.  It was known to indicate imminent illness if seen in a dream.  Superstition or not, it has to do with sickness and health!

Elderberry has also been revered for its great therapeutic powers.  In fact, seventeenth-century herbalist, John Evelyn called it a remedy “against all infirmities whatsoever” because it was such a healthful plant.  Another physician is said to tip his hat in respect every time he passed the plant.

One amusing historical fact about Elderberry comes from the late 20th century when dishonored wine traders added Elderberry juice to cheap port to make it look and taste expensive.  They were outlawed and Elderberry was banned until a sailor’s claim gave them partial vindication.  He told his doctor a drunken binge on such “fine port” was a great remedy for rheumatism.  Doctors investigated the claim; found it to be true; and started prescribing Elderberry juice in port.

Elderberry juice is known to trigger the body’s resistance to infections and diseases as well as aiding cellular restoration.  Fresh juice of the berries is high in potassium and mildly laxative and promotes perspiration.  It helps expel bronchial mucus to relieve asthma; it relieves colds, cholera and sore throat.  In Europe, the berries have been used for all kinds of nervous complaints, including sciatica, lumbago and general inflammation.

For over two thousand years it has been used to treat coughs, colds, headache, gout, epilepsy, jaundice, palsy, scrofula, skin eruptions, and of course rheumatism.  Folk medicine practitioners valued it as some kind of wild pharmacy, using it as a diaphoretic, diuretic, hydragogue, laxative, and gargle.  It is one of a few herbs in the herb kingdom having parts with varying uses.  The flower, fruit, bark, leaves, stems and roots all possess differing medicinal properties.

In England, people often took a teaspoon of Elderberry syrup to protect them from winter illness, including sore throat, as it helped expel bronchial mucus and relieves respiratory inflammation.  It comes highly recommended by herbalist, ancient and modern, as a gentle decongestant and expectorant for colds and respiratory congestions.

Therein lay Elderberry’s claim to fame: cold medicine.  However, its flower is considered one of the greatest and most versatile herbs in the treatment of disease.  This is due to its ability to detoxify the body of toxic waste, especially at the cell level.  It increases blood circulation and promotes sweating: very useful for bringing down fevers, and in treating bronchitis.

Recent European researches demonstrated that Elderberries have antiviral activity, which helps buttress their historical use for treating colds, coughs, and flu.  The plant contains essential oils (terpenes), bioflavonoids (rutin, quercetin), mucilage and tannins, which earns it a dynamic reputation in natural healing. 

Elderberry powder

Two of its active components derived from its proteins have been demonstrated to obliterate eight strains of the influenza virus.  Several studies were performed in the 1980s to dispute this claim.  In one of such studies, 90% of the patients who received Elderberry syrup showed an increase in immune function, and were completely cured of various strains of influenza in seventy-two hours, while the placebo group only showed significant improvement after six days.

This suggests Elderberry may be a viable alternative to the influenza vaccine, which is not only effective against two or three strains, but is also known to cause side effects in a significant percentage of those who are vaccinated.

Other constituents of the herb display sedative and analgesic properties, making it useful for people of all ages.  Elderberry is also a natural diuretic that reduces swelling, especially the kind common in respiratory infections.  As it stimulates toxic elimination from various elimination channels through perspiration, expectoration, diuretic and laxative actions, the body heals rapidly.

Elderberry is high in vitamins A (beta carotene) and C, both known to strengthen immunity.  It is also high in potassium; a good source of iron (essential for the production of bacteria-destroying enzymes and oxidants), and bioflavonoids. 

Elderberry blends well with other herbs.  Its flowers make an excellent remedy for colds, flu, fever and stomachaches when extracted in water and glycerin along with fresh mint and Yarrow.  The leaves are useful topically for wounds, ulcerations, bruises, sprains and other skin afflictions.  The inner bark is a bitter herb, and therefore possesses potent laxative effects.  When dried and aged, its laxative effect is lessened, just like Cascara sagrada.

It is excellent for infections, especially when combined with Golden Seal and Yarrow; best combined with Mullein for lung congestions and asthma, and blends (flower) with Eyebright and Golden Seal to make good eyewash.

Elder flower

Other uses of the herb include to dye hair, to fade freckles, soothe sunburn, lighten blond hair (flower hair wash), insect repellant (fresh leaves and blossoms), to make wine, to make comb and mathematical instruments, and to soften skin. 

American Indians pushed out the pith from its stem and to make flutes.  They called Elderberry “the tree of music.” My personal favorite use of the herb is to make breakfast syrup.  Hmm, hmm hmm!  A pancake or waffle breakfast has never been so good!

There are no known side effects to using Elderberry; however, caution is needed when using the herb.  The bark for example, may be too strong a laxative unless dried and aged.  Generally, it is considered a very safe herb.

Any job that mounts stress on the body, cuts down on sleep, and does not allow for breaks is unhealthy.  Also, the long and short term effects of the jobs on the body are considered.  The nature of the health effect, whether chronic, terminal, or permanent damage, is also a factor in our ranking.

See if your job or former job makes the list.  I hope not!

10. Secretarial administration
Number 10 on our top 10 unhealthy jobs is secretarial/administrative jobs.  Yes, secretaries would argue, but work with me here!  This category applies to all secretarial/administrative roles.  The personal assistants, the customer service representatives, and help desk employees. 

The main adverse effect suffered by this job category is stress.  Not to say stress is a minor health risk, but they can easily combat it with adaptogenic herbs such as Ginseng, Bee Pollen, Astragalus, and Suma, or several other means (see “Stress combating tips”).   Adding to the stress is EMFs (electromagnetic frequency), poor diet, and lack of proper hydration and physical exertion.  Most of which can be dealt with by making simple adjustments. 

So secretaries…it’s not all that bad!  Keep a positive attitude, get up and stretch and/or exercise every day, drink plenty of water, hold the caffeine, sugar, and dairy, and you will be alright!

9.  Medical care providers
This category applies to doctors and nurses.  Especially pediatricians and veterinarians who deal with a lot of patients with communicable diseases.  It is popular belief that hospitals are the best places to get infected by bacteria, viruses.  Apart from the baseline stress and common unhealthy habits these medical care providers face exposed to infections from their patients.

Their solution is pretty simple: wash hands and disinfect.  Rubbing NSP’s Silver Shield gel on washed hands has the ability to protect them from catching an infection for hours.  They need to watch out for carriers of infection and drink plenty of water also.  Other support for the immune system such as antioxidants, and herbs maybe useful.  See our immune boosting tips.

8.  Zoo keeping/veterinary medicine
Next on our list are those jobs involving animal care.  The zoo keepers, poultry, and other animal control jobs.  What makes these jobs unhealthy is exposure to animal bacteria/parasites and diseases.  Animals are known to carry pathogens on them, in their feces and urine with particles tiny enough to be airborne.  Constant contact with animals may encourage transfer of parasites and other pathogens that cause chronic illnesses. 

People in this category need to support respiratory system more than anything else.  A periodic respiratory cleanse may be added to safety repertoire.

7.  EMTs
We see them every once in a while, we love to hear their sirens when they are headed to rescue us.  What you may not know is that ambulance workers work under one of the most risky conditions.  Their stress levels are off the charts as they have irregular sleep schedules, poor diet (hardly any time to eat a good meal), often suffer dehydration; and they are exposed to environmental pollution as well as communicable diseases.

These people need adaptogenic and nervine herbs to help them deal with stress.  Staying hydrated will go a long way with those in this category, also.

6.  Pest/animal control
Everyday traffic hustle, endless driving, working with chemicals, and pests’ diseases place the next category at number six.  This comprises pest control technicians, animal controllers, and Walk into a home place traps for mice, poisons for roaches and keep the ants at bay.  Seem like a pretty easy job, right?  Think again.

They have almost no time to eat a decent meal, as they are on the road all day; they are constantly being exposed to parasite-carrying pets (the fleas, and lice, etc), dangerous pesticides, and pathogens from pests such as rat urine and feces; plus they eat in their trucks.  A study found heavy pesticide concentrations on the steering wheels of 97% of the pest control technicians’ trucks studied.

Eating in these trucks is common practice among workers in this group.  What better way to get pesticides inside you?! 

Immune system boost, respiratory cleansing and support, and a high antioxidant regimen are highly recommended for members of this category.  See also “Tips”.

Consider these simple tips to boost your immune system:

The easiest and cheapest thing you can do for your health is drink water.   It takes half an ounce of water per pound of body weight to properly hydrate the organs and tissues.  Make sure to drink purified water, the chlorine content in tap water has been indicated to contribute to heart disease and cancer.

Stress is known to suppress the immune system.  High stress jobs weigh down on the immune system, and reduce employees’ resistance to diseases and infection.  See some stress management tips here.

A lot of nutrients are needed to fuel the immune system.  Maintaining a diet rich in raw organic fruits and vegetables is essential for immune health.  These foods provide the body with enzymes and trace minerals that facilitate immune building. 

Processed and canned foods actually hurt the immune system.  Most adults are prone to high consumption of processed foods containing dyes, preservatives, taste enhancers, colors, and MSG (monosodium glutamate), especially at work.  Avoid yeast products such as breads and other moldy foods.  They contribute to yeast overgrowth.  Yeasts produce toxins that weaken the immune system.

Probiotics restore the intestinal flora of the colon and thus provides support for the immune system.  Antibiotics are a no-no, they multiply yeast and therefore compromise the immune system, leading to less and less resistance to diseases and infections.   

One quick and sure way to boost the immune system is by exercising.  Exercise has been shown to boost immunity by 13%.  See our exercise page on more ways exercise can contribute to stronger immunity.

Getting help from nature’s bounty may be necessary for some cases.  Immune stimulating herbs such as Echinacea, Astragalus, and Suma boost the body’s ability to fight infection, while antiseptic, antibiotic, and disinfecting herbs such as Golden Seal, Garlic, Lavender, and Olive leaf directly destroy pathogens that invade the body.  Or a combination of the herbs maybe necessary.

More immune herbs- Bayberry, Catnip, Chamomile, Elderberry, Eleuthero, Red Clover, and Pawpaw.

Limit exposure to toxins.  There are too many toxic substances in our environment not to make any effort to reduce exposure.  There are pesticides, herbicides, household cleaning products, and fungicides.  Live plants such as Boston fern and spider can help absorb these toxins in the air.  Prolonged exposure to high power lines, power substations, computers, TV sets, microwave ovens can be linked to cancer, fibromyalgia, etc.