Taxi drivers and health

What health issues do taxi drivers have?

• Sleep deprivation: Long hours and irregular schedules can make it difficult to get enough sleep 
• Chronic pain: Back and knee pain are common issues for taxi drivers 
• Obesity: A high proportion of taxi drivers are obese 
• Cardiovascular disease: Taxi drivers are at risk of cardiovascular disease 
• Diabetes: Taxi drivers are at risk of developing diabetes 
• Hypercholesterolemia: Taxi drivers are at risk of developing high cholesterol 
• Musculoskeletal pain: Musculoskeletal disorders are common among taxi drivers 
• Mental health issues: Some taxi drivers have untreated mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD 
• Bad habits: Stress, tiredness, and long hours can lead to bad habits like smoking, drinking too much, and overeating 
• Cognitive decline: Taxi drivers aged 55–64 years have a higher incidence of cognitive decline 

What can you do?

• Prioritise self care
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Reduce carbohydrate
  • rice, pasta, chips, pizzas, bread, sweets, chocolate, biscuits, takeaways, ultra-processed foods
• Get regular, good-quality sleep
• Learn about different types of mental health from MIND
• Socialise with family and friends
• Know how to book an appointment for your GP – check your own GP practice to find out how
• Know how to order a prescription and view your medical records via the NHS App
• My GM Care – Monitor your health – BP, weight, mood

Benefits of exercise

• Physical health: Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, manage blood sugar, and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It can also help prevent osteoporosis and loss of bone mineral density, especially in postmenopausal women. 
• Mental health: Exercise can improve your mood, help you sleep better, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 
• Brain health: Exercise can improve thinking and cognition in children, and reduce anxiety in adults. 
• Bone health: Exercise can promote bone health in children and adolescents. 
• Social skills: Exercise can help you build relationships and social skills. 
• Confidence: Exercise can boost your self-esteem. 
• Chronic health conditions: Exercise can help you manage chronic health conditions. 
• Quitting smoking: Exercise can help you quit smoking. 

South Manchester Muslim Walking Group

Please complete this form https://tinyurl.com/SMMWGJoinNow to register for the group

Your health is your greatest wealth! We suggest setting up a regular walk for fellow taxi-drivers at a time convenient for you and also as short or as long as you want when there is less likelihood of work around for you to bring your family along as well so you can also gain the benefits and not lose too much income. Another alternative may be for you to offer your services and collect others who wish to go on a walk and bring them back too. If you may be interested in helping us with this then please join the group and get in touch

Further advice and support

• Sitting exercises whilst sat in a car
• Strength and flex exercises to help improve posture inside of waiting inside a car
• Campaign against living miserably There is a world out there of things you can do to make things better!

The British Muslim Heritage Centre hosted an evening of celebration for Taxi and PHV Drivers. Here are the talks for you to watch again chaired by Dr Usama Mia