A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare earlier this year showed some positive signs for Australians. It was estimated that in 2006, less Australians died as a result of heart disease than in the 4 decades prior to that.

However, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Australians with a large portion of the population at risk. Factors that increase the risk of heart disease include smoking, obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

It is good to know we are on the improve, with death rates decreasing, but there is still plenty of work to be done.

A recent poll commissioned by Lifeline Australia showed that 87% of Australian workers were stressed. The major causes of stress were work (73%) and money (66%). However, health was also a prominent cause of stress.

Stress can also have numerous impacts on ones health, and 40% of respondents reported ‘unhealthy’ levels of stress. So workers are stressing about their health, which in turn leads to poorer health.

The ability to assist staff to improve their health can not only improve staff health, but lead to greater productivity and reduced absenteeism.

So it is a smart idea to have a corporate health program, as you can assist your staff to reduce their stress levels by improving their health!