Many Corporations Offer Health Risk Assessments

Many Corporations Are Offering Health Risk Assessments To Help Employe

Many corporations are offering health risk assessments to help employees understand their risks for certain diseases. In a PowerPoint presentation of 8–10 slides, complete the following tasks: List which diseases are some of the most common diseases affecting today’s population. Identify and explain measurements to assess health today. Be sure to include the normal range of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In recent years, many corporations have implemented health risk assessments (HRAs) as part of their employee wellness programs. These assessments serve to inform employees about their current health status and potential risks for developing chronic diseases. Understanding the most common diseases affecting today's population and the methods used to assess health can empower individuals to take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. This paper explores prevalent diseases among the population, the measurements used to evaluate health, and the significance of maintaining values within normal ranges.

Common Diseases Affecting Today's Population

Chronic diseases have become a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in developed countries. Among them, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and certain cancers top the list. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and stroke, are responsible for the highest number of deaths globally. These are often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking.

Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, has surged in recent decades, primarily driven by increasing obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles. It is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels and can lead to severe complications like nerve damage, kidney failure, and cardiovascular problems if not managed effectively.

Respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, also significantly impact the population's health, often exacerbated by environmental pollutants and smoking. Lastly, cancers such as lung, colorectal, and breast cancer rank among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with risk factors including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

Measurements to Assess Health

To monitor and evaluate health status effectively, healthcare providers and organizations utilize various measurements. These metrics help determine the risk of developing disease and inform preventive strategies.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It measures the force of blood against arterial walls during heartbeats (systolic) and in between beats (diastolic). The normal range for blood pressure is typically considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg (American Heart Association, 2023). Elevated or high blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Regular monitoring enables early detection and management.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for cell function but becomes harmful in excess. Lipid profiles measure total cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides. Normal ranges, as defined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI, 2021), are:

- Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL

- LDL ("bad" cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL

- HDL ("good" cholesterol): 60 mg/dL or higher

- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

Elevated LDL and triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Blood Sugar (Blood Glucose)

Blood sugar levels assess glucose metabolism, critical for detecting diabetes or prediabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2023) classifies normal fasting blood glucose levels as less than 100 mg/dL. Prediabetes ranges from 100–125 mg/dL, while fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c tests offer insight into average blood glucose over three months, with normal values below 5.7%. Maintaining blood sugar within normal limits reduces risks associated with diabetes-related complications.

Conclusion

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases underscores the importance of regular health assessments. By understanding common diseases and utilizing proper measurement tools such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests, individuals can take informed actions to improve their health. Employer-led health risk assessments serve as a vital step in promoting wellness, preventing disease, and enhancing quality of life.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2023). Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
  • American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement 1), S1–S144.
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Lipids and Cholesterol. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/lipids-and-cholesterol
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors. https://www.who.int/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases#tab=tab_1
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart Disease Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
  • CDC. (2022). Diabetes Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
  • Global Burden of Disease Study. (2020). Worldwide trends in health metrics. The Lancet, 396(10258), 1204–1222.
  • National Cancer Institute. (2023). Cancer Stat Facts. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/
  • Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Air Pollution and Chronic Diseases. https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-health-effects
  • Hoffman, R. P., & Oparil, S. (2021). Hypertension. In: Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Hauser SL, et al., editors. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. McGraw-Hill.

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