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A new study released by BBC News in the United Kingdom suggests working long hours can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. The research included data from 25 prior studies, including information on more than 600,000 people who were free of cardiovascular disease before participating.
Researchers discovered the risk of stroke increased by a third in people who worked more than 55 hours a week, as compared to those working 40 hours a week. By using a sample size of 600,000 people and 25 additional studies, the data gathered may hold serious implications for workers who are “overdoing it”.
However, critics of the study claim additional health and lifestyle factors might share a stronger relationship with developing cardiovascular diseases or stroke. In other words, it is difficult to prove a cause and effect relationship between working long hours and risk of stroke without further studying the issue.
How Can Overworked Workers Reduce the Odds of Stroke?
If the study is eventually proven correct, it is important for workers to have tools to prevent the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
According to the National Stroke Association, stress is the number one cause of stroke. WebMD has some good advice for people who are suffering from high levels of stress:
Workers can learn meditation and other mindfulness practices to reduce stress and anxiety.
Consistent exercise and proper diet can be crucial for improving the body’s cardiovascular and mental health. Foods such as oatmeal can boost the brain’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can create a sense of calm and happiness.
Limit caffeine or avoid it entirely. Caffeine can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress.
Not everyone can avoid stressful situations at work, but tools exist to reduce the effect stress can have on our bodies.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Lawyer