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Stumping Hazardous to Health

Stress of political races can cause overeating, premature aging

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 28, 2008 10:36 AM CST
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(Newser) – Even the presidential candidates who miss out on the White House will feel the effects of their campaigns for years to come. The mad dash to the Oval Office—speeches all day, deadline pressures, cross-country tours—puts tremendous stress on the body. Forbes takes on the low points:

  1. Sleep deprivation, leading to memory losses and risky decision-making.
  2. Poor diets, causing that waist to grow (Clinton favors ice cream; Obama, French fries).

  1. High stress, releasing hormones that lead to overeating (hello, fries!).
  2. Germs from all that hand-shaking, along with cold viruses and eye infections.
  3. Caffeine overload, with ensuing anxiety attacks and headaches.
  4. Air travel, whose pressurized cabin can encourage infections.
  5. Vocal strain, which can cause voice problems.
  6. Premature aging, thanks to all of the above.

John McCain shakes hands with police in Ohio. All that physical contact can spread germs that lead to colds and eye infections.
John McCain shakes hands with police in Ohio. All that physical contact can spread germs that lead to colds and eye infections.   (Associated Press)
Barack Obama grabs a snack with Chicago's mayor in this file photo. Obama says he likes french fries.
Barack Obama grabs a snack with Chicago's mayor in this file photo. Obama says he likes french fries.   (Getty Images)
Hillary Clinton stops for some food with Bill in Iowa. Nonstop campaigning can lead to memory lapses and risky decisions, Forbes reports.
Hillary Clinton stops for some food with Bill in Iowa. Nonstop campaigning can lead to memory lapses and risky decisions, Forbes reports.   (Getty Images)
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Enough about healthcare plans, how candidates stay healthy
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Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain • sleep • health • Mike Huckabee • diet • list • Ron Paul • air travel • campaign trail • fatigue • Election 2008 • health risks

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