Upcoming World Heart Day 2009 to focus on workplace wellness
Workplace wellness programs have the potential to reach more than half of the world's population. Workplaces that encourage healthy habits such as physical activity, good nutrition, and reduction of tobacco use can reduce heart disease and stroke.
The theme for this year's World Heart Day, 27 September 2009, is "Work with your heart."
"At a time when governments and business leaders are devoting considerable amounts of energy, and billions of dollars, to improve the health of global financial systems, attention should also be directed to the health of the workforce," Professor Pekka Puska, President of the World Heart Federation, said in a press release.
Businesses around the world, as well as leading organizations such as the World Health Organization, recognize the importance of promoting employee health to achieve their business objectives. More than 17 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, making these the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
Companies that implement workplace wellness programs report increased productivity. A 2003 study of the economic return of workplace health promotion concluded that workplace programs can achieve a 25-30% reduction in medical and absenteeism costs in an average period of about 3.6 years. It also showed:
- An average 27% reduction in sick leave absenteeism.
- An average 26% reduction in healthcare costs.
- An average 32% reduction in workers' compensation and disability claim costs.
- An average US$5.81-US$1.00 savings-to-cost ratio.
Workers who cycle or walk to work (active commuting) are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Current smokers incur the highest productivity losses, which translate into higher costs to employers for current smokers.
More information about World Heart Day 2009 and about creating workplace wellness programs is available at www.worldheartday.org.
Author: Juan Ramos, Program Coordinator, ProCor
The theme for this year's World Heart Day, 27 September 2009, is "Work with your heart."
"At a time when governments and business leaders are devoting considerable amounts of energy, and billions of dollars, to improve the health of global financial systems, attention should also be directed to the health of the workforce," Professor Pekka Puska, President of the World Heart Federation, said in a press release.
Businesses around the world, as well as leading organizations such as the World Health Organization, recognize the importance of promoting employee health to achieve their business objectives. More than 17 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, making these the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.
Companies that implement workplace wellness programs report increased productivity. A 2003 study of the economic return of workplace health promotion concluded that workplace programs can achieve a 25-30% reduction in medical and absenteeism costs in an average period of about 3.6 years. It also showed:
- An average 27% reduction in sick leave absenteeism.
- An average 26% reduction in healthcare costs.
- An average 32% reduction in workers' compensation and disability claim costs.
- An average US$5.81-US$1.00 savings-to-cost ratio.
Workers who cycle or walk to work (active commuting) are less likely to be overweight or obese and have healthier triglyceride, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Current smokers incur the highest productivity losses, which translate into higher costs to employers for current smokers.
More information about World Heart Day 2009 and about creating workplace wellness programs is available at www.worldheartday.org.
Author: Juan Ramos, Program Coordinator, ProCor
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