A recent report published in the Lancet Medical Journal analysed 13 European studies and followed the working lives and health of nearly 200,000 people. The report concluded that “job strain” could be linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. It was noted that those who have demanding jobs but little control over how they manage their work were most at risk.
At first sight this may seem alarming but it was also noted that the risk to heart health caused by job strain was much smaller that the risk caused by smoking and being inactive.
All work has its fair share of strains and stresses and those working offshore have to contend with getting used to conducting their working lives away from family and friends. However, modern communication devices mean that workers can easily stay in touch with loved ones onshore. The camaraderie and friendships that develop amongst offshore workers can also be a source of satisfaction.
The good news is that the risks to health by stresses and strains at work can be mitigated through a healthy lifestyle.
It was seen that smokers who felt stressed at work were likely to smoke even more which put their health at risk. Smokers who would like to give up the habit completely can speak to the medic on their installation or seek advice from their GP.
Starting this month, smokers across England are being encouraged to take part in the “Stoptober” campaign and stop smoking for 28 days. It’s the first time that the Government has launched a “mass quit attempt” and the hope is that those who manage to stop smoking for that length of time will be less likely to start again. For more information about the campaign please see
http://smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober
.
It has already been established that inactivity leads to health risks and has damaging affects on our physical wellbeing. Fortunately, many offshore roles involve being physically active and regular use of the gym equipment available can also help maintain fitness and decrease risks of coronary heart disease. Those in more sedentary offshore roles should try and introduce physical activity into their schedule as a priority.
Obesity is another factor known to cause risks to heart health, so watching our weight and eating a balanced diet is of enormous benefit. When it comes to meal times in the canteen, it can be tempting to go for large helpings. However, making adjustments to portion sizes and choosing options that incorporate different food groups may help.
Many of us have our own ways to relax and calm ourselves when feeling anxious. Listening to music or reading can help but for some it can more difficult. When tense, our breathing may seem shallow, rapid, or based in the upper chest area. Being aware of when we are in this mode and then applying diaphragmatic breathing can be very helpful for many people. You could try the following:
o Find a quiet place and sit upright in a chair to allow breath to flow freely.
o Let your gaze rest on a spot on a neutral area such as a wall or the floor.
o Put one hand over your navel area, then slowly inhale through your nose and imagine your breath is gradually inflating a small balloon sitting behind your belly button.
o Once comfortably “inflated”, pause slightly, and gently exhale out through your mouth. The hand on your belly will move out and in as you inhale and exhale, your chest area should remain relatively still (put your other hand on this area to compare the two if you like).
o On the inhale imagine you are breathing in “calmness” and on the exhale you are letting go of any tension. The exhale is the relaxation breath.
o Repeat the process for a few minutes in order to give your nervous system a chance to respond and quieten down.
Please note that such breathing exercises do not suit everyone and if you feel your anxiety worsens then stop. There are other ways of managing anxiety and stress and perhaps you can find something more suited to you. You could always take advice from your medic.
Tackling workplace stress could be one way to decrease the incidence of heart disease but encouraging healthy lifestyles and eliminating risks factors such as smoking, inactivity and obesity are still considered the most effective routes to improved heart health.
Regardless of job strain, working has been shown to be better for our health than being out of work. However, given the current research findings it may be prudent for employers to be aware of those jobs that fall within the high demand-low control category and to see if any measures can be implemented to mitigate either of these factors.
In our busy working lives we should occasionally take stock of our lifestyles and make sure we are looking after ourselves as best as we can.
A few simple adjustments such as keeping up our “five a day” fruit and vegetable regime, increasing physical activity, and moderating alcohol intake can help us achieve health at work and at home.
Giving up smoking may pose more of a challenge but there is help and support out there to help you achieve this via your pharmacist or GP.
Jamie Patterson is a cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist at occupational health specialist Abermed