February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to go over health and wellness with your employees. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. with a heart attack occurring every 40 seconds. While genetics play a large role in heart health, many lifestyle factors also contribute to the risk of heart disease. In this blog, we will talk about prevalent stats about heart health and ways to promote healthy lifestyle habits for you and your employees.
Heart Health Statistics in the United States
Now is the ideal time to look over the significance of heart health in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 690,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease in 2020, making it the leading cause of death. Additionally, heart disease is a leading cause of disability, which can impact the quality of life of those living with a heart condition.
Other notable statistics about heart health in the U.S. include:
- One in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease
- Over 100 million U.S. adults have high cholesterol levels
- Over 30 million U.S. adults have diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease
These statistics further exemplify why it’s so important to focus on and promote heart health.
Ways To Promote Heart Health in The Workplace
While genetics play a crucial role in heart health, lifestyle factors also influence the risk of heart disease. Healthy lifestyle habits can improve heart health and help prevent heart disease as we age. Here are some tips to promote heart health in the workplace so your employees can improve their well-being.
Encourage Regular Physical Exercise
Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and encouraging regular exercise among employees can help them develop healthy lifestyle habits. Employers have various options to promote physical activity such as group fitness classes, walking groups, or offering discounts on gym memberships. Instilling a culture of wellness in the workplace is the best way to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Provide Healthy Food Options
Eating a healthy diet is crucial for your overall health, but especially your heart. Employers can encourage healthy eating habits among employees by providing healthy food options in the workplace. Instead of offering chips or doughnuts, go for some healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, or nuts, and replace sugary drinks with water on unsweetened beverages. Also, educational workshops and seminars on healthy eating habits are a great way to get your team on board with health initiatives.
Promote Stress Reduction Management
Chronic stress is one of the most significant factors for heart disease. It’s also one of the most preventable factors that affect heart health. Help employees manage their stress levels by promoting stress reduction techniques or wellness programs.
Some options include offering yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, and resources for employees to reach out to if they feel burnt out or stressed. Communication is key when it comes to managing stress, so ensure that employees are aware of the help around them.
Encourage Regular Health Screenings
Regular health screenings can help identify early warning signs of heart disease and other related health conditions. Employers can offer on-site health screenings or provide resources for employees to schedule regular checkups with a healthcare provider.
Offer Health Education
In many cases, employees aren’t educated on the subject and can’t make informed decisions about their health. That’s when employers must take the initiative to provide health education for their employees. Consider offering workshops, seminars, or webinars on topics such as healthy eating, exercise, and the importance of stress management. Promoting wellness in the workplace will show your team that you prioritize their mental and physical health.
Create a Healthier Workplace Environment With Alltrust Insurance
Employers have a tremendous amount of responsibilities on their plate. Taking care of the company and its employees is of the utmost importance. Heart disease can lead to absences from work and jeopardize the well-being of employees. Therefore, it’s imperative to motivate and empower employees to make smart health decisions.
At Alltrust Insurance, we have the knowledge and resources to promote workplace wellness through employee benefits while keeping your healthcare costs low. Working with us allows you to offer programs to keep employees healthy and take steps towards a healthier, more productive workplace. For more information on how we can help take care of your insurance needs, please contact us today to set up an appointment.
