CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
Think heart disease is only for seniors? The WFH lifestyle is changing that. Don’t wait for the silent killer to speak up before you get checked.
Working from home sounds appealing. You are surrounded by the comfort of your bedroom, the smell of home-cooked meals, and the temptation to lie down and rest anytime. Your home feels cozy, safe, and perfect for getting things done; but this setup also has a downside. Without the movement that comes from commuting or being in an office, working from home can lead to sitting for long hours. Over time, this lack of physical activity can quietly cause health problems.
When the pandemic hit, the business world changed overnight. To keep everyone safe, companies traded office desks for home setups, turning bedrooms into boardrooms. While working from home offers a deep sense of security, it often results in a sedentary lifestyle. Spending long hours tethered to a screen with limited movement can take a toll on your body. Without a conscious effort to stay active, this ‘new normal’ can lead to long-term health complications like hypertension.
A sedentary lifestyle means not getting enough physical activity to keep your body healthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers it a growing threat to global wellness. Many people spend 6 to 8 hours a day sitting at work, during commutes, or at home. When regular movement and exercise are lacking, this pattern can gradually lead to serious health problems. The following are some of the factors that that have contributed to the rise in sedentary lifestyles:
Given that almost everything operates on the internet now, businesses had to adapt by shifting to the work from home setup that leads people to spend more than 6 hours in front of a computer.
The entertainment industry has evolved throughout the years, leading to the production of movies, television series, video games, and social media applications, limiting engagement in physical activities.
Ever since the internet paved its way, social interaction has become limited. People will rather use social media applications to communicate with their family or friends. This phenomenon contributes to the concerning cases of sedentary lifestyle.
Over the last few decades, hypertension among young adults (18–24 years old) and middle-aged individuals (25–44 years old) has become a major global public health concern. The increasing incidence of hypertension is one of the major causes of death and disability in the world. Many of these young adults are employed in work-from-home arrangements that restrict their ability to engage in physical activities necessary for their well-being.
When blood pressure rises above normal, it is referred to as hypertension or high blood pressure. A normal blood pressure of a person is less than 120/80 mm Hg. A blood pressure higher than 130/80 mm Hg is considered abnormal. A person’s blood pressure varies depending on their activities throughout the day. However, hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms, which means you could have it without even realizing it.
The transition to a Work-from-home Setup can inadvertently trigger hypertension. Several inherent factors contribute to this risk:
Lack of adequate physical movements like walking, running, or even commuting can reduce daily energy expenditure.
Persistent pressure from working long hours, workload demands, and lack of social interaction can increase the risk of hypertension.
Working from home can make it harder to manage your time and separate work from personal life. Without clear limits, you may end up working longer hours, sleeping poorly, and following an unhealthy eating schedule.
Adopting healthy habits does more than improve your daily well-being. It builds a strong and sustainable foundation for better cardiovascular health. These habits also help you monitor your blood pressure more closely and reduce the risks linked to hypertension.
Carrying excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, puts significant strain on the heart and increases the pressure within your arteries. Achieving and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces the physical workload on your cardiovascular system.
Consuming too much sodium chloride can cause your blood pressure to rise, which over time may increase your chances of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke.
Make time for simple exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or even a quick home workout. When you move regularly, you strengthen your heart so it can pump blood more efficiently and with less effort. This helps keep your blood pressure in check.
Drink moderately and responsibly. Reducing alcohol consumption or eliminating it entirely helps stabilize blood pressure readings.
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your daily meals. This approach provides essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which actively help regulate and lower blood pressure naturally.
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it can strike without warning. That’s why regular check-ups are essential, as they help detect hidden risk factors before they become serious. While routine medical care is your first line of defense, having a trusted backup plan can ease the worry of unexpected health issues. Medicare Plus offers comprehensive and affordable healthcare plans in the Philippines that you can rely on to safeguard your health.
Working from home may seem convenient, but long hours of sitting, blurred work-life boundaries, and reduced physical activity can quietly put your heart at risk. Young adults are increasingly facing hypertension, the “silent killer,” without even realizing it. The good news is that small, consistent lifestyle changes, like staying active, eating healthily, cutting back on salt, and managing stress, can make a big difference. Pair these habits with regular check-ups and a trusted HMO in the Philippines, like Medicare Plus, to protect your heart and take control of your long-term health.
1. I’m young, why do I need to worry?
Cardiovascular diseases can affect any individual regardless of age. By consulting a health professional and getting regular checkups, you can detect underlying issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious in the future.
2. How often should I have my heart checked?
Checkup frequency varies depending on the individual’s age. According to the Forhearts Worldwide, heart health checkups should start as early as possible. In your 20s to 30s, it is recommended to have your checkups every 4 to 6 years until your 40s. In your 50s and up, more frequent checkup is essential as heart disease risk rate increases as you age. For those who already have pre-existing conditions, you will need checkups more frequently. Always consult your doctor for an accurate assessment schedule.
3. Why should I use an HMO?
An HMO provides the security you need when the unexpected occurs. Medicare Plus, one of the leading HMO providers in the Philippines, specializes in affordable and comprehensive plans that offer medical coverage and allows you to focus on what really matters– your safety and recovery.
4.Why does working from home increase my risk of hypertension?
Working from home can increase your risk of hypertension because you tend to move less without a daily commute or regular office activity. Sitting for long hours affects blood circulation and overall heart health.
5. What are the common “red flags” to watch for?
Warning signs can vary from person to person, but common red flags include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, severe or persistent headaches, unusual fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Early consultation with a doctor can help prevent serious complications and protect your overall health.
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