Thai Workers Urged to Watch for Five Silent Diseases

Working-age adults are warned not to ignore daily habits that raise the risk of five serious diseases with long-term health consequences. Experts highlight warning signs and prevention strategies, noting that long commutes, workplace stress, prolonged sitting, inactivity, and poor diet make this life stage particularly vulnerable.

Five diseases every worker should watch:

Office Syndrome Today's most common work-related condition stems from sitting for hours in fixed postures or repeating the same muscle movements. Pain affects the neck, waist, shoulders, and back, worsening after long work sessions. Headaches may accompany muscle tension, while radiating pain or numbness down the arms or legs signals an urgent need for medical attention. Prevention: Adjust desks, chairs, armrests, and monitors ergonomically. Stretch or walk regularly to engage muscles. Exercise during free time helps relieve tension.

Depression Often unrecognized, depression ranks among the top risks for workers due to job pressure, financial worries, and relationship strains, compounded by lifestyle, psychological, and social factors. Warning signs: Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness; loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities; sleep disturbances; appetite changes; fatigue, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, and despair. Prevention: Prioritize self-care with adequate rest, personal time, travel, favorite foods, and trusted confidants. Seek professional help immediately if symptoms become severe.

High Blood Pressure Blood pressure exceeding normal levels can silently trigger heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if uncontrolled. Risk factors include age, genetics, high sodium intake, inactivity, and obesity. The danger lies in its lack of obvious symptoms — a silent threat patients may not detect. Warning signs: No specific visible symptoms; do not wait for headaches or dizziness before checking. Regular blood pressure measurement is the most direct detection method. Prevention: Reduce salty and processed foods, exercise, control weight, quit smoking, and undergo routine health screenings. Doctors will advise treatment based on risk level.

Type 2 Diabetes Not caused by sugar alone, this condition arises when the body uses insulin ineffectively or produces too little, leading to high blood sugar. Uncontrolled, it can damage eyes and kidneys.