World Health Day 2019

On World Health Day, let us pledge to try and strike a work-life balance for better health. Why is that so important? Read on…

World Health Day 2019 - Long working hours are a death trap

Long working hours, over a period of time, not only impacts productivity, work and time optimization and quality of performance, it affects the present working generation and, in chain, generations to come.

Unless working professionals are given the space they need to unwind from work and recharge their bodies and minds, the nation will soon lack healthy people suitable for work, thus hampering overall productivity of the nation and its people.

Global studies have shown that while working for around 40 hours a week is okay, 61-70 hours of work a week increases risks of heart diseases by 40% and working more than 70 hours week increases the risk of cardiac diseases by 60%. People working long hours and lacking rest, relaxation and vacations have higher chances of getting brain stroke than people working the usual 40 hours a week. Heart disease and brain stroke are the leading causes of death and partial disablement around the world.

People working long hours need to take precautions like sleeping 7-8 hours daily, following a healthy diet, keeping stress under control through mind training and breathing exercises, and doing at least 30 minutes of exercise, like walking, daily.

Apart from this, it is crucial that working professionals, whether they are apparently healthy or suffer from lifestyle diseases like diabetes, thyroid problem, obesity, hypertension and other health problems like regular indigestion and arthritis etc, need to undergo medical checks-ups yearly and follow their doctor’s advice and take preventive measures as advised.