Workplace Health Strategies
Heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (stroke) are in the top six leading causes of death in South Dakota (2020 Mortality Report). They are also major causes of disability. Workplaces can help employees address heart disease and stroke risk factors by providing a healthy environment and educational resources for preventing or controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy weight, diet, exercise, and managing diabetes and stress.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Cigarette smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Alcohol abuse
- Overweight and obesity
Common Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw, shoulder or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Feeling nauseous
Common Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Strategies for Heart Attacks and Strokes
- Have an AED on site and provide CPR and AED training
- Encourage employees to know the signs of heart attack and stroke and to call 911
- Work with local nurses to hold blood pressure screening
- Promote education on nutrition (salt reduction, cholesterol, sources of fat, etc.) stress relief, physical activity, and smoking cessation
Strategies for Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke
- Become more physically active
- Improve diet (lower salt and fat)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be tobacco-free
- Manage stress
- Get adequate sleep
Created for worksites to establish a process to support the proper management of the AED and training for employee(s).
Better Choices, Better Health® SD Workshops
Millions of people live with chronic health conditions. BCBH-SD offers FREE workshops for adults and their caregivers to help them manage symptoms, be more active, and improve quality of life. Find out more about virtual & in-person sessions in South Dakota.