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Know Your Numbers! awareness week: why it is crucial to get checked

Know Your Numbers! awareness week: do you know your numbers?

2024 sees the 24th anniversary of Know Your Numbers! Week.

But what exactly is Know Your Numbers Week? It’s the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.

Did you know high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and heart disease in the UK? That’s a sobering fact, but there’s good news too. Every September, Know Your Numbers! Week puts the spotlight on the importance of checking your blood pressure and taking steps to keep it under control.

Latus Group believes employee health is paramount, and Know Your Numbers! Week is a fantastic opportunity to empower your workforce to take charge of their well-being.

With the everyday pressures of life, we know that understanding why it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers and taking the time to get them measured isn’t always a priority. For businesses in the UK, this is the ideal opportunity to offer employees blood pressure screenings, demonstrating a commitment to employee health.

Did you know that around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t even know it? That’s why Know Your Numbers! Week is so important. Early detection and management of high blood pressure can significantly reduce your employees’ risk of stroke, heart disease and other serious health conditions.

High blood pressure is a major cause of these diseases but usually has no symptoms until it’s too late, which is why it’s known as ‘the silent killer’.

Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.

Interested in getting your blood pressure checked this Know Your Numbers Week? Latus Group offer a variety of services, including on-site blood pressure screenings.

Find out more here https://latusgroup.co.uk/health-wellness-screening/

Not only is Latus Group encouraging employers to take part in Know Your Numbers! Week, we also want to share invaluable information about our Exec Medical and Know Your Numbers service, which includes assessments on the following:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Blood sugar/glucose (diabetes)
  • BMI (body mass index)
  • Visceral fat (fat stored around the organs)
  • Body fat
  • Hydration

New Government Scheme

A significant announcement has been made by the government regarding a new programme focused on improving the nation’s health through workplace health checks. This initiative is a welcome development for occupational health specialists, who have long advocated for the importance of preventative measures in the workplace.

The new scheme aims to deliver life-saving health checks to over 130,000 individuals, providing early detection of health issues, particularly cardiovascular diseases. This initiative aligns perfectly with Latus Group’s mission to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Occupational health specialists play a vital role in ensuring employee well-being. By offering a variety of services, including health screenings, we can proactively identify and address potential health risks within the workplace. Early detection of health issues can significantly improve employee health outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

The government’s new programme represents a positive step towards prioritising the health of the workforce. By providing accessible health checks, this initiative can empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and contribute to a healthier and more productive nation.

“It’s promising to see the government recognise the value of proactive health measures in the workplace” – Jack Latus, CEO Latus Group

The checks, which will be provided by the NHS, will record a range of information about each patient, that can then be used to determine their cardiovascular risk.

Employers from a variety of professions will take part, including those from the building, hospitality, transport sectors and social care.

Over 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but current data shows that only around 40% of those invited went on to complete one. This is especially true for men, who are less likely to get early help but who are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than women.

This new programme aims to reach more people through their place of work and make it more convenient for people to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.

“This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.” – Health minister Andrew Gwynne

Latus Group’s Role in Occupational Health

Latus Group is a leading provider of occupational health services in the UK. We have a team of experienced occupational health professionals who can help you to fulfill your legal requirements under HSWA, MHSWR 1999 and COSHH. We offer a wide range of occupational health services, including:

We can also help you to develop and implement a comprehensive occupational health strategy that meets the needs of your business.

If you are an employer in the UK, you have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of your employees. Occupational health services can help you to fulfill this duty and create a healthier and safer workplace for your staff.

If you’d like to speak to us about health surveillance, visit our page and contact us with any questions.

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