Workplace Wellness

Almost half of those who die from chronic diseases are in their productive years. The economic consequences – driven by productivity reduction and increase in costs caused by these diseases among workforces – are dramatic. The WHO estimates that between 2005-2015 income loss (in international dollars) could rise to as much as $558 billion in China,$237 billion in India,$303 billion in Russia and $33 billion in the UK.

Countries such as Brazil,China,Russia and India currently lose more than 20 million productive life-years annually to chronic disease,and that number is expected to grow 65 per cent by 2030. The losses in productivity associated with those diseases like disability,unplanned absences and increased accidents are as much as 400 per cent more than the cost of treatment.

“Most people spend about 60 percent of their waking hours at work,so healthy choices in the workplace are critical for overall wellness,” says Dr Chandrashekhar Patil,consultant cardiologist,Shri Sai Cardiac Centre,Kolhapur

“A diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits and vegetables combined with regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease,” he added.

Heart-smart tips for wellness
* Eat Right – Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Make smart choices,like choosing the “healthy menu” in your canteen or bringing your own food from home.
* Use less salt and avoid processed foods – Try to limit your salt intake to about a teaspoon per day. Be wary of processed foods,which often contain high levels of salt. Weight loss,especially together with lowered salt intake,leads to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major factor for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke.
* Stepping Away from Desk is not too bad- Even 30 minutes of activity can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and your work will benefit too. No matter how busy your day,head outside for lunch or take a short break in the kitchen or cafeteria. You’ll be ore satisfied and recharged after paying attention to your food instead of your e-mail. Plus,your work area will stay cleaner. Take the stairs,go for a walk during your break,or get off the bus a couple of stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.
* Know your Risks – Visit a health-care professional to check your blood pressure,cholesterol and glucose levels,together with waist-to-hip ratio and Body Mass Index. Once you know your overall risk,you can develop a specific plan of action to improve your heart health.
* Break For Water,Not Coffee – The human body loses about 10 cups of water during daily activity,so it’s important to replenish. The AHA recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated.
* Say no to tobacco – Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time.
* Laugh For Life – Minimizing stress is important for wellness and laughter is the best medicine. Crack jokes with your co-workers – whatever it takes to ease deadlines.