Most busy managers put their health on the back burner during the peak of their career. They want to focus all of their energy on climbing the corporate ladder and getting to where they want to be in life. Work fills their diaries, so they don’t have enough time for health appointments.
But this, of course, is a problem. Many executives build up health issues over time and then only go to the doctor when it’s too late.
Why do health checkups get put off?
The problem with a health checkup is that it rarely feels like a priority unless there’s an acute issue. Yes, sometimes it’s 100% necessary to go to the doctor, but many health problems build up slowly over time and are difficult to notice. Many busy professionals are simply unaware that they have high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels.
The effects of long hours
Working long hours can also erode health. Working for a long time isn’t just tiring. According to studies by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization, working more than 55 hours a week is actually closely associated with a higher risk of stroke and even a 17% higher risk of dying from other serious diseases like heart disease. One of the reasons is believed to be broken sleep and sitting at a desk all day, but poor dietary choices are also to blame in some situations.
Problems can stay quiet
As mentioned before, executive health problems can stay quiet for a long time. Raised cholesterol or problems with metabolism are silent and often only manifest in general inflammation or weight gain, but they can lead to sudden health crises like a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes.
This is where the real value of healthcare comes in. Managers and executives who take preventative measures to take care of their health can not only function better at work but also avoid serious disease ramifications.
Get everything done in one visit
Of course, you probably still don’t want to go for a health check, but these days you can get everything done in one visit, so it doesn’t take up a lot of your time. A lot of companies offer a so-called executive health check, which includes things like blood tests, medical history, examination, ECG, and blood pressure reading. You might also get an eye exam, depending on the quality of the company doing it for you.
At the end of your health check, you’ll get a report telling you how you’re doing and what you might want to improve. The nice thing about these reports is that they’ll often tell you exactly the steps you need to take during your busy working life to ensure that you remain healthy for longer.
Make the results count
When you get the results, make sure they count. Take time to read them properly, and ask your physician or medical practitioner if there’s anything you don’t understand. Then choose a routine you can stick to and keep to it.
