Fisieke aktiwiteit en enkele gesondheidsaspekte by werknemers aan 'n finansiële instelling

Abstract

Technological advances and mechanization have reduced physical activity levels. Lifestyle in general has become more and more physically inactive. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of hypokinetic diseases which inter alia include risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. The consequences are a variety of health risk factors that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and mortality. If left unattended, these risk factors can lead to ill health and reduced productivity. Ill health in the corporate sector can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, high health care costs and reduced productivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the profiles of physical activity- (PAI), health status- (HSI), lifestyle- (LSI) and coronary risk indexes (CRI) among employees in a financial institution in order to evaluate the impact of physical activity. The research sample includes 475 employees (159 male and 316 female) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 8.6 and 35.1 ± 8.5 for the male and female groups respectively, divided into three age groups ≤35, 36-45 and ≥ 46 years. Results indicated that the majority of the employees were physically inactive and falling in moderate to poor category in terms of health status, lifestyle habits and coronary heart disease risk. The lifestyle index of the older males (≥ 46) was significantly better than those of the younger males. Results also indicated that coronary heart disease risk, lifestyle and health status improve as physical activity levels improve. The lifestyle index of males and females were significantly better among the physical active group. The finding suggest the need for employers and employees to prevent hypokinetic disorders which can cause “presenteeism” which may result in reduced productivity and increased health care costs. The literature also indicate the need for companies to measure and keep track of the health risk profile of their staff, since employees can migrate between low, moderate and high risk categories annually.