Obesity remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease in South Africa due to a 28% increased risk of heart disease in obese people compared to those with an ideal weight. As reported by The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa about two out of three women (65.1%) and almost one in three men (31.2%) are overweight or obese in South Africa. In a country where health care can come at a steep cost, the most effective solution to this problem is adopting a healthy lifestyle – regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking.
According to recent data from 1Life Pulse & LifeQ, women in South Africa have an average body fat of 36.6%, and men coming in at 26.6%, both of which are higher than the acceptable range of 21% to 32% for women and 8% to 19% for men.
Proactivity and lifestyle changes remain the most effective way to win the fight against cardiovascular disease, both physically and financially.
This World Heart Day, we need to look at the physical and financial benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle – both physically and financially.
Anton Keet, Head of Risk Services at 1Life, would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the above as well as provide insight into:
- Some of the stats they have identified that impact heart health through the 1Life Pulse data, including:
- Body fat
- Average resting heart rates
- Correlation between exercise and heart rate
- Current smoking stats
- How the real time insight provided by wearable tech helps consumers proactively manage their health
- The importance of regular screening in combating cardiovascular disease
- The impact of cardiovascular disease on life insurance/other long-term insurances
- Necessary lifestyle changes to ensure a healthy heart
International SOS: World Heart Day – ISOS Motivation
17.9 million people die every year from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), accounting for worldwide fatalities of 32% – that’s more than all cancers combined. Yet, most CVDs are preventable and treatable if risk factors are reduced.
Cardiovascular disease is also one of the costliest medical conditions for employers in both direct costs – including coverage for health care services and medicines – and indirect costs related to lost productivity from disability and death.
On this World Heart Day, we need to ask ourselves how are we driving action to educate our South African workforces, how are we encouraging them to take charge of their heart health and that of others, and what can we do to prevent CVDs, the number one killer globally?
Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the above as well as provide insight into:
- Misconceptions around heart disease – what should we know?
- Risk factors – behaviours and conditions you can change and control vs characteristics you cannot change
- Minutes matter – know the common symptoms
- The importance of CPR training and AED availability
- The cost of CVD – and the importance of workplace wellness programmes in screening, combatting and saving lives
