Inactive Workers Twice as likely to Suffer Heart Attack

Promoting physical activity in the workplace could not only save lives, it also makes good business sense, an Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) conference on workplace health heard last week.

Employees who are inactive double their risk of developing coronary heart disease and are nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack, than those who are active, delegates were told. Promoting exercise in Irish workplaces could reduce absenteeism by 20%, which costs companies €1.5bn and increase work performance by 4-12%, said the IHF.

“Physical inactivity is of the same level of risk for cardiovascular disease as high cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure. Yet very few workplaces engage in promoting physical activity, which is relatively low in cost and brings a wide range of health and social benefits for the employee and economic benefits for the employer,” said IHF’s Chief Executive, Michael O’Shea.

According to the recent SLÁN - Survey of Lifestyle Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland - nearly a quarter of the Irish population are not physically active at all and another quarter are not active enough for good health.

The IHF’s active@work physical activity programme for companies was also launched last week. It includes a range of workplace activities including walking challenges, a desk work-out, and support services such as employee health checks.

Posted Monday 23rd June 2008