Cardiovascular Disease: A Serious Health Risk for Working Adults

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 07:15

As you age, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases. Working adults, especially those in their 40s and 50s, are particularly vulnerable due to the combination of aging, stress, and lack of physical activity.

CVD is a broad term that includes any disease of the heart or blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. These diseases can all lead to serious consequences, including heart attack, stroke, and even death.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of CVD:

1.    The first step is to know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are major risk factors for CVD. Your doctor can help you determine what your numbers should be and give you advice on how to get them where they need to be.

2.    The next step is to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of CVD. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are all important steps in reducing your risk. Working adults should also make sure to get regular check-ups, as early detection of CVD can be lifesaving.

3.    Finally, it’s important to manage stress. Stress can increase your risk of CVD, so it’s important to manage it. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. Working adults should also take regular breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge.

Working adults are particularly vulnerable to CVD. Taking steps to reduce your risk is essential. Knowing your numbers, making lifestyle changes, and managing stress can all help reduce your risk. Taking care of your heart is key to a long and healthy life.

What is a Healthy Workplace Environment?

A healthy workplace environment is one that promotes physical and mental health among employees. It is a place where employees feel safe and supported, and have access to resources that can help them stay healthy. Healthy workplaces can include access to healthy food options, physical activity programs, mental health resources, and more. By providing a supportive environment, employers can help their employees reduce their risk of CVD and lead healthier lives. 

Things needed to have a Healthy Workplace Environment?

There are several key elements to creating a healthy workplace environment. These include:

Access to healthy food options: Offering healthy snacks and meals in the workplace is important for employees' health.

Opportunities for physical activity: Encouraging physical activity in the workplace can help employees reduce stress and improve overall health. One way to do that is to invest in electrically height adjustable tables, such as those available at EZ Shopper. These allow employees to work in a standing or sitting position, or providing walking desks, which allow employees to work while standing and walking.

Setting up walking clubs or group exercise classes, such as yoga or Pilates, can help get employees motivated to be active. Finally, allowing employees to take breaks throughout the day to go for a walk or stretch can help them stay active and productive.

Mental health resources: Mental health is an important part of overall health. Offering mental health resources, such as counselling and stress management techniques, can help employees stay healthy.

Supportive policies and practices: Creating policies and practices that support employees' health can help create a healthier workplace. For example, providing flexible work hours, offering wellness benefits, and allowing for telecommuting can all help reduce stress and improve overall health.

Access to health screenings: Regular health screenings can help identify potential health issues early, which can help prevent more serious problems down the road.

Flexible work schedules: Having a flexible work schedule can help employees better manage their work-life balance. By allowing employees to work from home or adjust their hours, employers can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and reduce the risk of CVD.

Education and training: By making sure that these elements are in place, employers can help their employees reduce their risk of CVD and lead healthier lives.

Healthy Workplace Environment Creating

A healthy workplace environment is key to reducing the risk of CVD among working adults. Employers can help by providing access to healthy food options, encouraging physical activity, and promoting stress management techniques. They can also provide support for employees who are at risk of CVD, such as access to health screenings and counselling services. By creating a healthy workplace, employers can help their employees reduce their risk of CVD and lead healthier lives.

Creating a healthy workplace environment is essential for reducing the risk of CVD among working adults. By providing access to healthy food options, encouraging physical activity, and promoting mental health resources, employers can help their employees stay healthy and reduce their risk of CVD.

Written by Michelle Blando.