Fit Tips with Kandice Davidson
There’s been a lot of discussion on noise ‘pollution’ in our community lately. Some will say it doesn’t bother them at all while others lives can be completely disrupted by the noise. Which one do you say you are? Or are you somewhere in between?
I am bothered by the noise, as I enjoy peace & quiet, especially when I want to enjoy my backyard & the surrounding nature. My neighborhood always had a level of noise but it has increased greatly over the years and has gotten to the point that enjoying that peaceful, quiet time outside is almost impossible. The noise begins first thing in the morning & goes well into the night.
This blurb isn’t to complain about the noise, it’s about how noise pollution affects our overall health, whether you claim it does or not, it does. Everything affects our health in one way or another. You can argue all you want, but noise pollution is just that… pollution. All pollution is unhealthy.
Noise pollution can have serious health consequences. Chronic exposure to neighborhood noise, especially transportation, such as large equipment (dump trucks, farm equipment & cement trucks etc), airplanes, railways, race cars etc. can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of fatal heart attack (WHO).
Noise pollution includes any regular exposure to consistent elevated sound levels. These can be found in the workplace and in other surrounding environments. In our own homes, noises from devices such as the TV, computer, games, radio, fans, furnaces etc. all can have a negative affect. This can lead to hearing impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance, and sleep disturbance. Also affected are the immune system & even birth defects have been known to be a cause of noise exposure.
Noise pollution affects the nervous system. At lower levels, noise produces discomfort, low attention span, impedes communication, concentration and again, sleep. Noise affects performance at work or school. It can lead to anti-social behavior and even accidents.
Elevated stress hormones over time can lead to high blood pressure, stroke & heart failure. In our community we already have a high incidence of these health issues. I wonder if it’s going to steadily increase with the elevated noise levels we are now dealing with.
When I started doing the research on this subject, I knew that noise was unhealthy, but I didn’t realize the degree of harm it actually can cause. The research showed that those who think they aren’t affected by noise pollution indeed are. Complaints of noise pollution are valid. Some people value their health & well being. So the next time you hear someone complain about noise pollution, rather than boo hoo them, you could thank them for their concern for not only their own health but their neighbors too.
Practice makes Permanent. Move more to feel better.
For more info or if you have questions, feel free to email me.