The salaries of top Indian corporate executive may have risen in the last few years, but so have working hours and work related injuries.
Long hours in office and a sedentary lifestyle are affecting more and more executives, who are developing medical conditions at a much younger age.
Here are the common health risks that Indian corporate executives face.
Orthopaedic Injuries
Lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, all of these fall under this category. These are caused due to overuse of certain muscles, joints, tendons, nerves and ligaments.
People at Risk
- Those with desk jobs, and who need to sit in front of a computer for hours
- Marketing people who usually roam around with heavy bags
- Factory workers who do heavy lifting, who indulge in repetitive bending and who stay hunched over the assembly line for long.
- Supervisors who stand or walk for long hours
Preventive Measures
- Take regular breaks from your computer.
- Do simple stretches for your neck, back and shoulders.
- Ask your boss / HR to invest in ergonomic furniture.
- Try to get some exercise, stay active.
- Keep your body weight in check.
Heart Disease
Heart attacks are getting common in the corporate world, and it affects most people in the age group 45 to 55 years. However, its been observed that even younger people are now acing heart problems, such as blocked arteries, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular diseases.
Combination of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, (common in most youngsters) also causes cardiovascular problems.
People at Risk
- Those in the finance sector, especially investment bankers and stockbrokers
- Young managers who handle large teams, are prone.
- Highly stressful jobs with tight deadlines and stretched targets, which causes executives to indulge in smoking, drinking (and even drugs), and eat junk food.
Preventive Measures
- Avoid addictions like smoking and drinking
- De-stress through music, meditation, yoga or a hobby
- Spend quality time with family
- Do Some form of physical activity or exercise
Obesity
While you may not become very obese because of your work environment, easy availability ofjunk food, free or subsidised food and snacks (not necessarily healthy) can add kilos to your weight (usually affects entry-level and first-time workers).
Food and beverage quality control experts are prone because of the nature of their work.
Health experts are observing a new condition among corporates, called ‘diabesity’, a combination of diabetes and obesity.
Preventive Measures
- Eat smaller meals at regular intervals
- Avoid snacking on junk food, or eating continuously at your desk
- Exercise
- Eat healthy food (get home-cooked food if your canteen is not good)
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder where a person is unable to sleep well. Affects staffers in BPOs, the hospitality industry and emergency services who work nights or in shifts.
Preventive Measures
Create a ‘sleep adaptation plan’ — compensate for your lack of sleep on the job by either sleeping early or catching a nap when you have time. Manage Work around your sleep time.
Most companies allow ‘rest time’ during shifts. Stick to it.
Diabetes
This ‘lifestyle-induced’ disease is affecting more and more younger professionals (due to poor lifestyle choices, inadequate exercise and poor eating habits).
Preventive Measures
Exercise daily routine. Undergo regular medical check-ups.
Hypertension
High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and renal failure, among other things. Affects those with pressing deadline and targets (usually the overachievers.)
Preventive Measures
Slow down (if possible). Undergo regular medical check-ups.
Depression
Depression could affect anyone with a high-stress job, although its more common among women. Stress arising from job insecurity, performance anxiety and peer comparison can cause depression.
It may cause physiological problems (high blood pressure, impaired brain function) and non-physiological problems (anger, irritability, anxiety, lack of focus).
Preventive Measures
Learn to handle Stress. Talk to colleagues or your boss if something is bothering you at work.
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