How to Support Employees in Maintaining Heart Health
Heart health is influenced by many factors, including diet, physical activity, stress, and smoking habits. Supporting employees in maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle not only benefits their overall well-being but can also boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale in the workplace.
Why Heart Health Matters
At the core of the cardiovascular system, the heart is responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body while removing toxins and waste. If the heart isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to fatigue, breathlessness, or more serious conditions such as heart disease. Keeping the heart healthy is essential for overall well-being and performance, both at work and in life.
Recognising the Signs of Good Heart Health
Understanding what indicates a healthy heart can help employees monitor their own well-being:
Energy Levels: Being able to complete daily tasks without extreme fatigue suggests the heart is pumping blood efficiently.
Breathing: Moderate-intensity activities should not cause difficulty breathing if the heart is functioning properly.
Heart Rate: A resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is typical, though stress, medications, or age can impact this.
Blood Pressure: Healthy readings range between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Consistent monitoring can help detect early signs of hypertension.
Oral Health: Healthy gums are linked to better heart health, as gum disease may increase the risk of high blood pressure.
How Employers Can Promote Heart Health
Provide Access to Health Assessments: Offering private heart health assessments as part of employee wellness programmes can help detect potential issues early. Tests such as ECGs, cholesterol panels, and blood pressure checks are quick, non-invasive, and informative.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Support employees in adopting heart-healthy behaviours, such as balanced eating, regular exercise, and stopping smoking. Workplace initiatives such as healthy snack options, subsidised gym memberships, or mindfulness sessions can make a big difference.
Raise Awareness: Host educational sessions to help employees understand the risk factors and symptoms of heart conditions, empowering them to take proactive steps.
Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a workplace culture that prioritises well-being by encouraging breaks, promoting stress management, and providing access to mental health resources.
Benefits of Regular Heart Health assessment
Heart health assessments can identify risks before they escalate into serious conditions. These tests evaluate key indicators such as heart rhythm, cholesterol levels, and BMI, helping individuals understand their heart health and take informed actions.
Bluecrest Wellness offers a range of heart health assessments, including ECG Tests and Heart Disease Risk Assessments, designed to provide employees with a detailed understanding of their cardiovascular health. These tests can be conducted conveniently at over 350 UK venues or on-site for businesses.
Empower Your Workforce to Prioritise Heart Health
Supporting heart health in the workplace is an investment in your team’s long-term well-being and productivity. By incorporating health assessments and promoting preventative care, you can create a healthier, happier workforce.
Encourage your employees to book their health assessment today.
