September’s Know Your Numbers Week, an initiative from Blood Pressure UK, is a timely reminder that the simplest health checks can also be the most important. According to the British Heart Foundation, around 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, with an estimated 5 million of those unaware that they live with the condition.
Nicknamed ’the silent killer‘ due to its often mild (or non-existent) symptoms, high blood pressure can be easy to miss. That’s why this awareness week is an important wake-up call. A quick blood pressure check could help identify a risk before it leads to more serious health issues.
For business owners, blood pressure awareness is more than a public health issue. Encouraging staff to get to grips with what their blood pressure is on a regular basis is a simple, practical way to support everyday wellbeing, prompt early action and help employees stay healthier for longer.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It’s measured using 2 numbers, systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart beats and diastolic pressure, the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
A healthy reading is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg, although this can vary depending on age, medical history and individual circumstances.
Why does blood pressure matter?
Many people only discover they have high blood pressure during a routine health check. It’s important because, if left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia. However, it can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medication where appropriate and regular monitoring. The earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to take action.
How employers can help
While employers can’t control every aspect of employee health, they can create an environment that encourages people to take preventative action and seek support when they need it. Workplace stress, sedentary roles, long hours and a poor a work-life balance can all potentially contribute to health challenges, including high blood pressure.
How can we take part?
Getting your workplace involved in Know Your Numbers Week doesn’t have to be time consuming. Simple initiatives can make a real impact, such as:
- Sharing information about the importance of blood pressure checks – there’s a host of resources on the Know Your Numbers website including posters and factsheets
- Encouraging employees to book a routine health check with their GP, pharmacy or privately
- Promoting healthy habits such as regular movement both at work and at home, balanced nutrition and stress management
- Reminding employees about any health benefits that your organisation offers
Encouraging employees to monitor their blood pressure is a positive step, but awareness alone isn’t always enough. A health care cash plan can help make everyday health care more affordable, supporting early intervention by allowing employees to claim money back for eligible health screenings and routine health costs. Find out more at Employer Paid – Handy Health Cover. Cover starts from just £4.15 per employee, per month*.
*The price shown is per employee, per month when covering 700+ employees and applies where there is no existing health cover in place. If you have an existing employer paid cash plan with a different provider, please contact us for a quote.
