Heart diseases cost businesses billions

As of this year, one in four Americans has some form of CVD, clearly affecting the usage of medical services and the cost to businesses.

Claiming one in two lives, CVD is the No. 1 cause of death for women. Even so, if a survey were conducted within your organization today, it would show less than 10 percent of your female associates are even aware of this fact.

The percentage of deaths from CVD for Americans under 65 years old is 61 percent. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of premature, permanent disability, a statistic that obviously has an effect on the cost and usage of short- and long-term disability policies. To bring the point even closer to home, CVD is the cause of 41 percent of all deaths in Greene County annually.

These aren’t just statistics. These are real people – our managers, employees, family and friends – not to mention our children, since CVD is the third leading cause of death for children under age 15.

The cost in human life is tragic. The financial cost is staggering. The estimated direct and indirect cost of CVD is $368 billion, according to the American Heart Association.

The average direct and indirect cost to treat one person with CVD is $5,750 per year as of 2004, with part of the cost borne by corporations.

Businesses can fight CVD

For area companies, it is past time to begin taking aggressive action to reduce disability and save the lives of employees and their dependents by striking a blow against CVD.

To be good stewards of financial resources, we must stop accepting higher health care costs and start fighting. As part of the community, we must strive to make everyone’s life a little richer.

Building longer and stronger lives through healthy habits is a step-by-step process. In order to enjoy tomorrow, help associates make good decisions today.

Educate employees and dependents on risk factors and warning signs of CVD. Actively promote heart-healthy meals, exercise and the cessation of tobacco usage.

Results will be seen in lower cholesterol, reduced obesity and healthier hearts and brains.

Local resources

The American Heart Association is an excellent, free resource for companies. AHA is actively at work in the Springfield metropolitan area, funding research, promoting the stroke plan, offering childhood obesity programs, furnishing emergency cardiovascular care with CPR classes and public access to defibrillators, and providing professional education for businesses and community organizations through programs such as lunch-and-learns and customized health information.

In addition, both CoxHealth and St. John’s Health System were two of the first hospitals in the country to fulfill the requirements of AHA’s Get With the Guidelines, a program designed to assist hospitals with the implementation of evidence-based standards to improve care and outcomes for heart and stroke patients.

In addition, AHA offers three annual community involvement activities that also are fund-raising opportunities for businesses.

The Heart Walk is the largest event, focusing on exercise and participant education. Free team photos, health screenings, snacks and prizes are part of the popularity of this event. The top five companies earn bragging rights, with the No. 1 CEO receiving the much-coveted traveling trophy.

AHA will present a breakfast for local CEOs and company presidents, said Rae Swan, metro executive director of AHA in Springfield. The hour-long presentation will address CVD facts and figures, and why getting involved with the Heart Walk can make for a healthier working environment.

The Heart Gala is a formal ball with live and silent auctions. The Go Red for Women Luncheon raises awareness and provides tools to empower women to make positive lifestyle changes.

To start fighting back and obtain free resources, call the AHA in Springfield at (417) 881-1121.

Lynne Haggerman is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, a firm providing outplacement, retained search and management consulting/training on human resource issues.

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