World Heart Day, 29 September 2024: Cardiovascular Health Risks: International SOS Shares Proactive Measures for Workplace Wellness
September 27 2024 - 5:56AM
Business Wire
As World Heart Day approaches on 29 September, International SOS
urges organisations worldwide to implement proactive measures to
protect their workforce from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
According to the World Health Organization, CVDs remain the leading
cause of mortality and disability worldwide, accounting for 17.9
million fatalities annually, mainly attributable to heart attacks
and strokes.1 With over half a billion people affected globally,2
it is crucial for organisations to adopt strategies that promote
heart health and prevent related illnesses among employees.
From 2021 to 2023, International SOS received a significant
increase in requests for assistance related to cardiovascular
health issues. The number of cases increased by 34.5% from 2021 to
2022 and by an additional 18% from 2022 to 2023.3 This data
highlights the growing need for comprehensive cardiovascular health
support and the importance of proactive health measures. Notably,
86% of the cases involving heart-specific ailments were within the
male population during the same period.3
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease hinges on various
factors, encompassing controllable elements like lifestyle choices,
tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, along with
uncontrollable factors such as genetics, gender and race. Moreover,
several medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity can
elevate the risk of heart disease.
Dr Olivier LO, Group Medical Director, Occupational Health
Services, at International SOS, comments,
“Organisations worldwide have a Duty of Care to foster work
environments that promote the heart health of their employees, as
this can play a significant role in preventing cardiovascular
disease. 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.
Proactively addressing cardiovascular health can help
organisations mitigate these risks. By implementing comprehensive
health and wellness programmes, such as regular health screenings,
fitness initiatives, and educational workshops on healthy lifestyle
choices, organisations can help their employees maintain better
heart health. This not only reduces the incidence of heart disease
and stroke but also lowers healthcare costs and improves overall
productivity. In the long run, investing in employee health can
lead to a more sustainable and productive future for the
workforce.”
To help organisations mitigate cardiovascular risks among
their workforce, International SOS recommends the following seven
measures:
- Create a Heart-Healthy Culture: Foster a workplace
culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. Encourage employees
to take breaks, stay hydrated and seek medical advice when needed.
A supportive environment can motivate employees to adopt and
maintain heart-healthy habits.
- Encourage Regular Health Screenings: Offer regular
health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other
cardiovascular risk factors. Early detection and management of
these risk factors can prevent the development of more serious
conditions.
- Healthy Eating Initiatives: Provide access to nutritious
and healthy food options in the workplace. Educate employees on the
importance of a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and lean proteins.
- Promote Regular Physical Activity: Encourage employees
to engage in regular physical activity through workplace wellness
programs and facilities.
- Stress Management Programmes: Implement programmes and
provide resources to help employees manage stress, which is a
significant risk factor for CVDs.
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Organise workshops on
cardiovascular health to raise awareness and educate employees
about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and the steps
to reduce the risks.
- Smoking Cessation Support: Tobacco use and exposure to
second-hand smoke are among the leading causes of cardiovascular
disease globally, contributing to approximately 17% of all CVD
deaths.4 Provide support and resources for employees who wish to
quit smoking, including counselling and smoking cessation
programmes.
Join International SOS’ webinar ‘Building Heart-Healthy Work
Environment’ on 26 September 2024, where our experts will discuss
vital cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention strategies and
response plans to avoid fatalities among your employees.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of
saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and
security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health,
security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your
growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an
epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response
providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and
security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time,
actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help
protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as
support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us,
organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while
empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in
London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations.
This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as
mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and
NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and
digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance
from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between
them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and
dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips:
www.internationalsos.com
- World Health Organization (WHO) | Cardiovascular diseases
- World Heart Federation | World Heart Report 2023
- International SOS Assistance Tracker Data (2021 – 2023)
- World Heart Federation | Tobacco
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240927306995/en/
Indira Illianti Group Senior Marketing and PR Executive,
International SOS Indira.illianti@internationalsos.com