The Importance of Heart Health
The construction industry is renowned for its demanding physical environment. Yet, beyond the physical strain, a silent threat often lurks in the background – heart disease. As part of the CIF's Safety Campaign, KTL is proud to put the spotlight on heart health, a critical factor in workplace well-being.
Understanding Heart Health
At its core, heart health refers to the overall condition and function of your heart and circulatory system. A healthy heart pumps blood efficiently throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. Conversely, a compromised heart can lead to a wide range of problems, ranging from fatigue to life-threatening events like heart attacks.
Heart Disease: A Workplace Concern
The construction industry presents unique challenges when it comes to heart health. Strenuous activities, long hours, and environmental factors like dust can all contribute to increased risk. Additionally, construction workers often face stress due to deadlines and project demands, further impacting their cardiovascular health.
Helen Finnegan's Story
Helen Finnegan, KTL's SHEQ Advisor, understands the importance of heart health all too well. Recently, she faced a heart-stopping situation when her partner experienced a heart attack at home.
"It happened so quickly," Helen recalls. "There I was, one minute going about my normal routine in the morning, and the next, I was witnessing my partner having a full-on heart attack."
Fortunately, Helen had recently completed CPR training offered by KTL. This training proved invaluable in those crucial moments.
"The adrenaline kicked in, but the training definitely kicked in even faster," Helen explains. "Knowing what to do while having the assistance of 999 allowed me to provide immediate aid to my partner until the paramedics arrived - within six minutes."
The experience was undoubtedly traumatic, but Helen emphasises the importance of workplace support.
"KTL have been incredible," she shares. "I’ve been provided with ongoing support by the management team, and access to counseling services – all hugely helpful."
A Change of Pace
Unsurprisingly, the experience has had a big impact on Helen's life and how she approaches her well-being. Together, she and her partner have made changes to prioritise their health. Drawing from her personal experience, Helen offers valuable advice for everyone, particularly those in the construction industry:
● Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
● Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on your heart.
● Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
● Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
● Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage work and personal stress.
● Know your family history: Be aware of your genetic risk factors.
● Get regular check-ups: Schedule regular doctor visits to monitor your heart health.
● Learn CPR: Consider taking a CPR training course. It could save a life.
KTL, alongside the CIF, encourages all construction workers to take proactive steps toward better heart health. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and make healthy lifestyle changes.
Let's all play our part in keeping our hearts healthy and our workplaces safe.
To find out more about Heart Health go to:
Ireland: https://irishheart.ie/
To find out more about KTL visit our website ktl.ie