WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTDR OLIVIER LO Group Medical Director, Occupational Health Services International SOS |
As World Heart Day approaches on September 29, International SOS calls upon organizations worldwide to implement proactive measures to safeguard their workforce against cardiovascular disease (CVD).
A CALL FOR ACTION
“Organizations worldwide have a Duty of Care to foster work environments that promote the heart health of their employees,” says Dr Olivier LO, “as this can play a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease.”
He adds: “With World Heart Day upon us, it is a great reminder of the importance of heart health initiatives at work. Heart disease may significantly impact employers financially through direct costs like healthcare services and medications, as well as indirect costs such as absenteeism and presenteeism.”
“Additionally, there are costs associated with hiring temporary staff or overtime pay to cover absent employees, as well as potential increases in health insurance premiums,” he further elaborates.
SOBERING STATISTICS
- CVDs remaining the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 17.9 million fatalities annually.
- Recent data from International SOS reveals a concerning trend:
- 34.5% increase in cardiovascular health-related assistance requests from 2021 to 2022
- Further 18% increase from 2022 to 2023
- 86% of heart-specific ailments were reported in the male population
- These statistics underscore the growing need for comprehensive cardiovascular health support in the workplace.
7 PROACTIVE MEASURES FOR WORKPLACE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
International SOS recommends the following strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risks among employees:
Measure 1: Create a Heart-Healthy Culture
Foster an environment that prioritizes health and wellbeing.
Measure 2: Encourage Regular Health Screenings
Offer screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
Measure 3: Implement Healthy Eating Initiatives
Provide access to nutritious food options and educate employees on heart-healthy diets.
Measure 4: Promote Regular Physical Activity
Encourage exercise through workplace wellness programs and facilities.
Measure 5: Offer Stress Management Programs
Provide resources to help employees manage stress, a significant CVD risk factor.
Measure 6: Launch Education and Awareness Campaigns
Organize workshops on cardiovascular health to raise awareness.
Measure 7: Support Smoking Cessation
Provide resources for employees who wish to quit smoking, as tobacco use contributes to approximately 17% of all CVD deaths.