The NEWSS Is Good For Construction Workers
I can't say I'm much of a "handy man." When it comes to my career, I'm a writer, not a builder. And when something needs fixing around the house, I'm still a writer - I write checks to professionals who are much better than I am at the handyman thing.
That's not to say I haven't tried honest work, or that there aren't those who've tried to teach me how to do things like hammer a nail or turn a wrench. In fact, whether in the paid employ of a construction firm in my early working days, or as a volunteer helper on projects for friends (especially, as I recall, for the fathers of potential girlfriends), I've actually gained more experience in construction work than my kids would believe. I've helped demolish and renovate a house. I've installed insulation. I've hung drywall and laid flooring. I've done lots of trim carpentry, and even a little framing (mostly, I carried plywood for the guys who knew what they were doing). I've even done some painting without ruining whatever it was I was trying to spruce up.
When it comes to construction, I'm still a writer. But I have been close enough to construction work to learn that it's tough, demanding, and often dangerous.
A recent study published by the Center for Construction Research and Training bears that out. The researchers found that almost all construction workers end up experiencing at least one work-related injury or illness in their lifetime, and they run a greater-than-average risk of premature death. Death! Writers don't die prematurely at as great a rate, I'm happy to say... unless, perhaps, they try to add a room to their house.
According to the Center's study, a construction worker has a 75% chance of a disabling injury, and a one-in-two-hundred chance of being fatally injured on the job, over the course of a 45-year career. And lest you think we're just talking about taking a steel beam to the head, a person who starts a construction career at age 20 has a 15% chance of developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and an 11% chance of developing dust-related paranchymal changes in their chest x-ray.
Ugh!
If you're a construction worker, please don't quit. We writers need you, believe me. But make sure you keep yourself strong enough to be one of the 25% who doesn't let your work disable you. Build a solid lifestyle with the five key daily health habits I call The NEWSS: Nutrition (start by cutting out the garbage from your diet), Exercise (get 3-6 good workouts a week, and make sure you don't neglect your aerobic exercise because you think you get enough at work), Water (drink two liters every day, and more if you're working up a sweat), Sleep (get eight hours every night), and Supplements (take at least one good daily multi-nutrient).
Construction workers would also benefit greatly from regular visits to the chiropractor (to keep your frame healthy) and from periodic cleanses (to keep the pipes in your digestive system unclogged).
Construction is a noble profession, and the rest of us are awed and envious at the things you guys can do. Make sure your health habits are good enough to keep you around, doing those amazing things, for a good long time to come.
Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.
Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael's web site at michaelhume.net. Providing quality counselling articles, hynotherapy writings and other mind help resources online.
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