IT is alarming and frightening that many working Malaysians are at risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardio-vascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, respiratory and mental disorders.
Last year, a random survey of over 300,000 employees by the Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) Health Screening Programme revealed startling results.
Sixty-one per cent had high cholesterol, 36 per cent were overweight, 17 per cent were obese, 13per cent had hypertension and eight per cent had diabetes.
More than half of these people are at risk of succumbing to non-communicable diseases.
Health experts blame eating habits and lifestyle for this unhealthy trend.
Many people today neglect their health as they are busy working and taking care of their family.
Work is an obsession and they become workaholics.
Some with financial constraints have two or more part-time jobs and in their pursuit of material and financial gains, these people often neglect their health.
They sleep less, eat haphazardly and hardly take a break or a much needed rest.
This can cause fatigue, burnout and even take a toll on their health and wellbeing.
Stress and over exhaustion can lead to heart problems and poor health.
Most heart problems are closely associated with stress and pressure, either in their personal or professional life.
They hardly go for medical checkups and the only time they consult the doctor is when they fall sick.
When they do go for a check-up, it may be too late.
When sick, they would become a burden and a liability to the family, rather than an asset.
Many would send their cars to the mechanic for regular service, but they forget to go to hospital for their own medical check-up.
Apart from a healthy lifestyle combined with a balanced diet, drinking a lot of water, exercise and avoiding cigarettes and liquor, everyone needs to go for a regular medical check-up.
Medical check-ups should be complemented with mental health check-ups as both are vital to monitor stress and pressure in one’s life.
Many people only see the doctor when they have a medical problem.
It should be mandatory that those above 40 to go for annual medical check-ups.
The best gift we can give to our family and loved ones is to stay healthy.
We need to be healthy to be productive to provide for our families and communities.
Good health is indispensable to be happy with our working colleagues and loved ones.
A healthy body keeps our mind alert and stable.
SAMUEL YESUIAH, Seremban, Negri Sembilan