By Indira Rodericks
NAVI MUMBAI: Over the past two years, Sterling Wockhardt Hospital in Vashi has conducted health check-ups for auto drivers in Navi Mumbai.
Around 500 drivers have undergone routine examinations, which include BMS, BP, random sugar and bone density tests.
They have found that 20% of drivers are diabetic but are unaware that they are suffering from it and 30% suffer from piles and kidney stones.
Since the focus of these camps was to detect long-term ailments, infections and other stomach-related problems were also a cause for concern for the doctors.
The biggest problem with drivers is their irregular daily routine and lack of sleep and this results in a number of lifestyle related issues. Many of them detected with diabetes were also suffering from hypertension, again something that they were not aware of.
The last camp was conducted last week where around 65 drivers benefited. It was here that almost all the drivers complained of back pain and spine problems.
“The uneven roads coupled with continuous driving was were main reason for their back concerns,” said Dr Mehul Kalawadia, centre head of the hospital.
“After their daily struggle for a living, most of them find it difficult to visit hospitals and doctors. So keeping that in mind, these camps were conducted,” he said.
“The problem of blood pressure, stress and diabetes has become common among the drivers and these health issues need to be controlled at the earliest by asking them to adopt healthy habits,” he added
Source: http://m.timesofindia.com/city/navi-mumbai/Irregular-daily-routine-of-auto-drivers-spurs-diabetes-piles-and-kidney-stones/articleshow/53344729.cms
