National Diabetes Week 10th-16th July: Importance of healthy eating and exercise
One of the biggest challenges confronting Australia’s health system might come as a surprise to many. With around 1.7 million affected in Australia alone, diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century. And we’re not just talking about the 1.2 million known and registered diagnosed types of diabetes; there are also up to an estimated 500,000 of silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes as well.
Diabetes introduces a gamut of serious complications that can be life-threatening if gone unchecked. Part of the issue here is that our increase in sedentary lifestyle habits in turn increases the risk of these complications.
For employers and HR personnel, it’s easy to see why diabetes should be on our radar when it comes to top concerns with our staff. For one, an unhealthy workforce is a workforce that is costly. More trips to the doctor, more time off, and an unhappier employee can cost a company dearly in the long-run.
Article: Take a stand against sedentary behaviour
At the same time, our employees spend a huge portion of their life in our ‘care’, so to speak. For companies with jobs that tether employees to a desk or computer, it’s of the utmost importance to consider how these sedentary tasks are negatively impacting the health of our workforce.
Article: Workplace ergonomics and sedentary behaviour
To combat many of these issues, employers and HR are stressing the importance of exercising regularly and having a well-rounded and nutritious diet. We already know that eating healthy can benefit everyone, but for those with diabetes, the implications of healthy eating and an active lifestyle are compounded. These habits are absolutely essential in integrating into a diabetic lifestyle because they help manage blood glucose levels as well as body weight.
Website: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/
As an employer, it’s our duty of care to provide a safe environment for our employees. Luckily, with diabetes taking the spotlight in healthcare, there are many more ways for us to cater to the health and wellbeing of our workforce. Here are a few top areas of concern:
- Provide a work environment conducive to reducing sedentary behaviors (See articles above about workplace ergonomics)
- Give employees the resources they need to achieve a healthy lifestyle
- Provide employees with the healthy eating and fitness courses for better lifestyle
HSG offers Nutrition and Healthy Eating Cooking Demonstrations alongside our fitness classes. We’re experienced at creating energising and educational nutritional health programs to motivate your staff to optimal wellness. Your staff will learn the best ways to quickly and easily prepare healthy meals that taste great. Our Healthy Cooking Demonstrations are a popular component of many workplace health and wellness programs and staff health expos.
Learn more about our wellness programs.