Working overtime Increases heart risk, a study finds

People who regularly put in overtime and work 10 or 11-hours day increase their heart disease risk by nearly two-thirds, research suggests. The findings come form a study of 6,000 Civil servants, published online in the European Journal.

People who work three to four hours of overtime a day ran 60% higher risk, doctors found. Even experts said the findings highlighted the importance of work-life balance. "Work-life balance plays a vital role in well-being", said John Challenor form the Society of Occupational Medicine. Overall, there were 369 cases where people suffered heart disease that causes death, had a heart attack of developed angina. The researches also said that there could be a couple of reasons for it:

1. When people spend more time at work will, they have less time to relax, unwind or exercise and therefore will be more stressed, anxious or have depression.
2. A career-minded person will also tend to be a 'A Type" personality who is highly driven, aggressive or irritable, they said.
3. "Employees who work overtime may also be likely to work while ill-that is, be reluctant to be absent from work despite illness", they add.

Cathy Ross, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the research said: "The study raises further question about how our working lives can influence our risk of hearth disease. Until research understand how our working lives can effect the risk of our heart health, there are simple ways to look after your heart like; taking a brisk walk at lunch, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or by swapping the biscuit for a piece of fruit.



Health is Important!!!

First of all, I am very happy that I have chosen this news topic which gives some important messages and advice us, teachers of the future. This overtime problem seems to be the most essential problem in the world but especially in Europe and America. I agree with the experts and doctors that there should be a balance between work and life because this is the only way to lead a better, happy and healthy life.

Exercise, breaks, eating fruit and vegetables instead of chocolate is much healthier for our heart. Another thing is when you are ill; you certainly do not need to work. Stay at home, if you need some rest. This is a way to keep disease completely out of our life.

I wish everyone a life without overtime but a life with full of health and happiness.