Heart Health at Work

February is national heart health month, but we don’t often think about that in relation to work.  So what does this mean to us and our staff, and why should we talk about it?

According to the American Heart Association, every 34 seconds, heart disease claims a life.  In addition, the CDC notes that someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds, potentially causing long-term disability or death.  Among other risk factors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes are often, but not always, considerations.

Are you prepared at work if you or an employee has a heart attack or a stroke?  Do you know the signs or symptoms?  Does you staff?   

Heart and stroke issues are not isolated by age or culture.  Although there are groups at higher risk, there’s a potential for almost anyone to be affected.  Of course, in an emergency event the first action should be to contact 911, but having access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and/or being trained in CPR/First Aid can save a life.

Encourage your staff to learn CPR/First Aid.  Sponsor a class during lunch or before, during or after hours.  Post signs of a stroke or heart attack in break rooms.  Encourage staff to practice wellness by providing healthy snacks (at least as alternatives), promoting active meetings (encouraging standing/walking/stretching), and/or providing stress relievers (such as quiet areas or calming music) can all provide benefits.

Promoting healthy habits and health education is beneficial to staff and to the organization.  Encouraging a culture that shows concerns for staff’s wellbeing is good for all of us.

Determine how best to increase heart health at your company.

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Encourage your staff to be heart health aware.