Making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for everyone, including for taxi drivers and those working in more sedentary professions.
People working in sedentary professions are more at risk of developing CVD. Following a healthy lifestyle can reduce their risk. The table below shows the health risks for which they are at higher risk:
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How can taxi drivers be impacted? |
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Physical health |
Sitting for long periods |
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Long work hours |
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Physical discomfort |
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Not allowed to leave car unattended, otherwise financial penalty |
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Inability to take breaks |
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Few toilet facilities with parking |
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Mental health |
Risks of being ticketed |
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Traffic |
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Competition from other companies |
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Income challenges |
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Accidents |
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Violent or abusive customers |
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Lack of workplace benefits |
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Absence from family and friends |
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Sleep deprivation |
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Diet |
Time constraints (fast food) |
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Skipping meals |
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Prohibited from eating in car if not owner |
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Physical activity |
Adverse weather |
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Lack of time/ pressure to work |
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Physical exhaustion |
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Lack of motivation |
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Costs involved |
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Weight gain which restricts mobility |
Some of the health risks in the above table are also risk factors for CVD. The main CVD risk factors are:
To promote healthy behaviours among taxi professionals and reduce the risk of CVD, Buckinghamshire Public Health are running a pilot Heart Health Champion Scheme.
Three taxi professionals from two Aylesbury taxi firms have become volunteer Heart Health Champions for their workplaces and the wider Buckinghamshire taxi industry.
The volunteers have received training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to help colleagues understand the importance of heart health and blood pressure, increase their awareness of CVD risk factors, and encourage healthy conversations.
Free blood pressure monitors are available for staff to check their blood pressure easily and regularly.
For more information on where you can check your blood pressure for free, see Pump It Up