Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States?
Making health a priority is important, and February’s Heart Health Month is a time to focus on heart health and practice heart-healthy strategies. Help your employees incorporate several healthy habits into their life to help reduce the risk of heart disease and boost heart health.
MANAGE STRESS
Make sure employees are taking time out of their day to focus on reducing stress. Practicing yoga, meditation and deep breathing are all efficient ways to reduce stress and reduce the risk of heart disease.
REGULAR EXERCISE
Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Taking a walk, strength training, practicing yoga, and even vacuuming or completing chores can be some simple ways to incorporate more physical activities into the day.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
The CDC recommends the average adult get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. A consistent good night’s sleep reduces cardiovascular risks and disease.
STOP SMOKING
Smoking cigarettes significantly increases the chances of a cardiovascular disease. If you are a smoker, the most important thing you can do for your heart health is to quit. Many health plans include some form of tobacco cessation programs. Check with your carrier to find out more information.
EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET
Encourage employees to focus on their nutrition. Adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products to their diet will support a healthy heart. Individuals should avoid an abundance of salt, saturated fats and added sugars in their diet.
ENCOURAGE YOUR EMPLOYEES TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR HEART HEALTH
National Heart Health Month reminds us of the importance of cardiovascular health, it's crucial for employers to prioritize employee heart health throughout the year. By investing in heart-healthy initiatives and partnering with Blue Ocean for comprehensive benefits consulting and services, you can create a workplace culture that promotes well-being while reaping the rewards of increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
Don’t forget to communicate the perks and programs you have available through their benefits packages. Be sure to encourage employees to schedule their preventive care appointments—which help reduce the risk for diseases and disabilities and improve overall quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make employee heart health a priority in your organization.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Source: cdc.gov