The CDC has reported that more than 34 million US citizens have diabetes. People who have diabetes are at an increased risk of disability or sickness, which affects their workforce participation.
A research study showed that a company lost approximately $58.6 billion due to the decreased productivity of a workforce suffering from diabetes. A further loss of $31.7 billion was calculated due to disability and $22 billion because of premature mortality.
Moreover, people who have diabetes for longer periods are at risk of developing heart diseases, which is the leading cause of death in America. Diabetic patients have high levels of blood glucose which damage the heart vessels and nerves, resulting in cardiovascular illnesses such as heart attack or stroke.
How Can You Improve Your Heart Health?
Having a healthy and functioning heart is essential for living a long and fulfilling life. While one in ten people have diabetes, 95% of these cases are related to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with lifestyle measures such as weight and diet. Hence, to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and damaging heart vessels, you need to start exercising regularly and eating healthy.
Regular Exercise Strengthens the Heart
Studies show that people who exercise regularly reduce the risk of suffering from heart diseases. Staying physically active keeps blood sugar levels under control and also reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A healthy heart needs to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Exercising regularly improves blood flow in the system and decreases pressure on the arteries and veins, thereby also lowering blood pressure.
Exercise is also associated with lowering cholesterol by around 10%. If you keep your body moving, you’ll be able to maintain a balanced weight, thus, boosting your mood and decreasing stress and anxiety.
Eating Healthy Food Improves Heart Function
Healthy food that is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, protein, and minerals is beneficial for the heart and the body. Eating vegetables, fruits, and organic meals that are low in calories and high in fiber reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Whole grains are also a good source of nutrients and fiber, which helps regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. Instead of eating refined grain products, consume whole grains such as whole wheat flour, brown rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, etc.
A healthy diet also means limiting processed foods that contain unhealthy fats and bad carbohydrates, which increase the risk of high cholesterol and coronary artery diseases. Food that contains too much saturated or trans-fat and oil can result in the buildup of plaque in arteries, causing atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Choose food items from a healthy vending machine to improve heart health. MeFit Vending provides fresh food vending machines in San Jose, California. We have perishables such as sandwiches, falafel bowls, low-calorie salads, and snacks such as videos, tacos, burritos, smoothies, etc. Our smart vending machines provide employees a convenient and healthy food option. Contact us to install fresh food vending machine in your workplace today.
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