September 25th, 2019; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE:   With the focus on fostering heart-health and to reduce cardiac-related incidences among office-goers, RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah is running the ‘Employees Wellness Programme’ ahead of World Heart Day on September 29th. The programme includes Health Talks and full-day cardiac camps and consultation with cardiologist in several corporates across the emirate, educating the employees on the causes of heart diseases and preventive measures, besides lifestyle changes to boost heart health. Such awareness drives are essential to educate office-goers in combating work-place related stress and pressures. So far hundreds of people have benefited from Health Talks and screening. 

 

Moreover, RAK Hospital will be organising a free screening by cardiologists at its premises which includes height, weight, blood pressure, sugar levels and ECG if required. The screening will be held on September 29th between 9am and 4pm at the RAK Eye Care building. 

 

According to the annual 2019 worldwide 360 Well-being Survey conducted earlier this year, there is a significant need to create awareness on cardiac health, particularly for residents aged between 35 and 49 in the UAE. The survey further revealed that around 22 percent faced unimaginable stress at work, while 96 per cent see the negative impact of colleague’s stress. These, combined with familial responsibilities, lack of time for self-care, a prevalent sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits are often leading causative factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). 

 

“Studies, as well as incidental examples have shown that even younger population among the UAE residents are falling victim to heart diseases. The same is the case with hypertension, which – according to last year’s UAE National Health Survey – was most prevalent among residents aged between 30 and 44, which is largely the office-going people. This is why we targeted this group in particular to educate them on cardiac health,” said Dr Arun Goyal, Associate Medical Director, Consultant and Head of Department, Cardiac Surgery at RAK Hospital, who gave the health talks across all corporates.

 

Corporates who have benefited from the exercise include RAK Ceramics, Cove Rotana, Union Cement, JK Cement, Saqr Port, Guardian Glass, ACE Cranes, Laticrete, Hira Industries and Ahmed Tea, among others. 

 

RAK Hospital’s wellness programmes are designed to promote lifestyle changes amongst people. The system creates a win-win situation for all - leading to healthy employees, productive workplaces, reduced medicare utilization cost and lower annual premiums for organizations. The programme manages the health, wellness and lifestyle of over 50 corporates covering thousands of employees by integrating lifestyle assessment and correction systems into their workplace.