Progressive Lifestyle and its Regressive Perks - CAUTION

In the early 80’s most diseases in India had their root cause attached to poverty. Now after 3 decades when India has clearly advanced from that situation and is amongst the  potentially developing nations in the world, most of the diseases today are linked to prosperity referred to as “Lifestyle Related Diseases(LRD)".

Communicable diseases like malaria, cholera and polio have become manageable due to recent advancements in medicines. However a new breed of diseases have developed called ‘Lifestyle Related Diseases’ like heart diseases, some cancers and diabetes, which are no longer a problem just for the wealthy few. Due to demanding schedules, high stress levels, bad eating habits, inactivity and performance-linked perquisites in private sector, nearly 85% of employees are afflicted to life-style, chronic diseases and acute ailment compared to government employees who are ranging below 8%. (according to a recent survey conducted by ASSOCHAM on the occasion of 'World Health day').

Globally 14.2 million people between the age group of 30-69 years die prematurely from these diseases annually. These diseases have emerged as bigger killers than infectious or hereditary ones. The common risk factors for these diseases include tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. 
Let’s have a look at the top 10 lifestyle diseases that corporate India need to take-up seriously for a broader perspective to keep their most valuable assets healthy and productive. Besides savings cost, corporates should focus on building a culture of living & feeling fit within their workplace.

1. Obesity

Unhealthy eating habits, super-sizing meals, and reduced physical exercise all translate to Obesity. A person with excessive weight suffers with breathing problems, blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc.

The NFHS figures suggest that currently India ranks second with 155 million obese citizens and are increasing at 33-51% every year.

Risk Factors of Obesity:

1)  Unhealthy Eating Habits
2)  Inactivity
3)  Genetics
4)  Lack of Sleep
5)  Hormonal Imbalance
6)  Medication
7)  Pregnancy
8)  Smoking and Alcohol

2. Diabetes (Type II)

Obesity becomes the cause for other health problems such as Type II Diabetes which is the non-insulin dependent form, and generally develops in adults.

The International Diabetes Federation suggests that India has the largest number of people who suffer with Type II Diabetes at around 40.9 million people.

Risk factors of Diabetes:

1)  Weight Gain
2)  Inactivity
3)  Genetics
4)  High Blood Pressure
5)  High Cholesterol
6)  PCOS 
7)  Gestational Diabetes

3. Heart Disease

This refers to abnormalities that affect the heart muscle and blood vessel walls. The major factors involved in its development are smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol intake. Disease like Arteriosclerosis is a group of diseases that occur when the arterial blood vessel walls thicken and lose elasticity.

Atherosclerosis is, when fatty plaque deposits in the arterial walls and causes blood circulation disorders, chest pain, and heart attacks. It is linked with diabetes, obesity and high BP.

India ranks No.1 in cardiac patients with 30% to 40% of cardiovascular deaths happening  among the age group of 34-64 years. Approximately 50 million people in India suffer from heart problems.

Risk Factors of Heart Disease:

1) Inactivity
2) Overweight
3) High Blood Pressure
4) High Cholesterol
5) Aging in Men
6) Diabetes
7) Smoking and Alcohol
8) Genetics

According to a recent survey conducted by ASSOCHAM on the occasion of 'World Heart Day', demanding schedules, high stress levels, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits have resulted in nearly 72% of the corporate employees becoming prone to cardiovascular diseases. The survey further reveals that night shift workers have 52% more risk than day workers of suffering a stroke or heart attack. People in these working shifts also have higher levels of unhealthy behaviors such as eating junk food, Lack of sleep and no exercise, which are linked to heart problems.

4. Cancer

Cancer includes any hysterical, irregular cell growth. The types of cancer could include lung cancer due to prolonged smoking, skin cancer due to too much exposure to the sun,Oral cavity cancer due to tobacco intake, Liver cancer due to excessive intake of alcohol etc.

Cancer killed almost 5,56,400 people across the country in 2011 and has been growing at 18% every year.

Risk Factors of Cancer:

1) Chemicals in the environment: Chemicals present in food and processed food, hair dyes and pollution
2) Exposure to Radiation
3) Unhealthy Weight
4) Overexposure to Sunlight
5) Smoking and Alcohol

5. High Blood Pressure(Hypertension)

When the reading is 140/90 or higher, the BP is considered to be high. Hypertension results from a variety of reasons like stress, obesity, genetic factors, overuse of salt in the diet and aging.

In India, more than 100 million people have high blood pressure. 

Risk factors of High Blood Pressure:

1. Being Overweight or Obese
2. Smoking
3. Little or No Exercise
4. Excess Salt Intake
5. Alcohol
6. Stress
7. Ethnic Background
8. History of High Blood Pressure in the family

6. Nephritis (Kidney Diseases)

Its a kidney disease characterized by swelling of the kidneys and abnormal functioning.

Around 39,480 deaths are estimated due to nephritis each year in India.

Risk factors of Kidney Diseases:

1) Diabetes
2) High Blood Pressure
3) Heart Disease
4) High Cholesterol
5) Obesity
6) Liver Disease
7) Smoking and Alcohol
8) Autoimmune Disease
9) Bladder Cancer

7. Stroke

A stroke results when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain has a blockage, thus creating an oxygen deficiency for the area of the brain it was carrying it to.

Indian studies have shown that about 10% to 15% of strokes occur in people below the age of 40 years.

Risk Factors of Stroke:

1)    Diet & Nutrition

2)    Physical Inactivity

3)    Tobacco use & smoking

4)    Alcohol

8. Swimmer’s ear

Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Buzzing or ringing ears, or difficulty in understanding speech patterns are its symptoms.

Swimmer’s ears results due to loud music and constant use of headphones.

In India, an estimate of 12.5% have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise, and the number is growing every year.

Risk Factors of Swimmers Ear:

1. Deafening Noise around us while in transit
2. Use of certain devices, such as headphones or a hearing aid
3. Skin allergies or irritation from jewelry, hair spray or hair  dyes
4. Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels, such as a lake rather than a well-maintained pool
5. A narrow ear canal — for example, in a child — that can more easily trap water
6. Aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects

9. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

This is a disease described by a progressive, permanent obstruction of the airways. Smoking and air pollution are factors as well as reasons for worsening of this condition.

Percentage of adults diagnosed with COPD in the past year in India : 4.3 million

Risk Factors of COPD:

1. Exposure to Tobacco Smoke - The most significant risk factor for COPD is long-term cigarette smoking. Pipe smokers, cigar smokers and marijuana smokers are at risk, as are people exposed to large amounts of passive smoke.
2. Occupational exposure to Dusts and Chemicals
3. People with asthma who smoke - The combination of asthma, a chronic airway disease, and smoking increases the risk of COPD even more.
4. Age - COPD develops slowly over years, so most people are at least 35 to 40 years old when symptoms begin.
5. Genetics

 10. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis refers to a group of liver disorders. Heavy alcohol consumption and chronic hepatitis are listed as causes.

In India, approximately 36,149 people die each year due to cirrhosis.

Risk Factors of Cirrhosis:

1. Excessive Alchol
2. Binge Drink
3. Poor Nutrition

 

Thus, corporates todays especially the MNC’s in India have started budgeting for a comprehensive employee wellness program as an investment towards a measurable return on their overall organizational health & reduced Insurance cost. Moreover this benefit is amongst the more vibrant value add an employer can provide to the employee. In the process building a culture of healthy living at their workplaces. Focused programs addressing specific wellness needs for corporates would see an enormous rise in the times to come. Hence, creating more awareness and belief amongst employees in the merits of a Work-Life Balance program.

Amjad I Khan

Country Head- Employee Benefit Practice

J B Boda Group.   

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