Preventative measure blog: Part 1 The role of routine health check-ups

Health is something many of us take for granted - until, of course, something goes wrong. As employers, one of the most significant impacts you can have on your team is supporting their health. Encouraging proactive health management and regular health check-ups is a meaningful way to ensure your employees stay healthy, catch potential issues early, and feel supported in all aspects of their lives.

Key takeaways

• The role of regular health check-ups
• Early detection of health risks
• Support employee through chronic conditions management
• Make health support accessible with support services

Early detection of health risks: a preventative approach

Many health conditions develop quietly, especially the so-called “silent” illnesses that don’t show symptoms until they’re advanced. The below silent diseases are among the most common and dangerous. Encouraging routine check-ups can help to both prevent sudden, unexpected health challenges as well as raise awareness of these health risks.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): High blood pressure is a major contributor to more than half of all strokes and heart attacks [1]. Around one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, with 31% of men and 26% of women affected in England alone [2]. Often referred to as a ‘silent’ condition, hypertension typically goes unnoticed until it reaches a critical level. While hypertension may not show obvious symptoms, it can sometimes cause headaches, nausea, or visual disturbances. To prevent it, regular exercise, a balanced diet low in salt, and a reduction in alcohol consumption are important. Routine blood pressure screenings can help detect it early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
• Cholesterol levels: High cholesterol is common, affecting more than one in five adults in the UK [3]. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it usually doesn’t show obvious symptoms. For people with both high cholesterol and high blood pressure, the risk of stroke is nearly three and a half times higher [4]. Regular cholesterol screening can help prevent serious health complications. Cholesterol levels are measured through a full lipid profile test or a finger prick test. Employees can contact their GP or speak to a pharmacist to get their cholesterol checked.
• Diabetes: Nearly 4.9 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, equivalent to 1 in 14 people [5]. Type 2 diabetes, which develops gradually, often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. An estimated 850,000 people in England have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes [6]. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to vascular disease, kidney damage, vision loss, infections, and nerve damage. The three main ways to prevent type 2 diabetes are eating well, moving more, and managing weight. Regular check-ups for type 2 diabetes help to reduce the risk of other complications and allow for early detection and management.
• Weight management: Obesity is linked to several health risks, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (such as breast, pancreas, colorectal, and endometrial cancers), fatty liver disease, and arthritis. Managing weight is an important step in reducing these risks. Employees can benefit from resources like our WeCare nutrition consultation services, which provide personalised dietary advice from registered nutritionists. Consulting a GP can also provide helpful guidance and support for managing weight and overall health.

Supporting employee health: managing chronic conditions

For employees managing chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, stroke, COPD, or epilepsy, regular health check-ups are crucial for maintaining their quality of life.

• Asthma: If an employee is living with asthma, a check-up provides a chance to assess their control of the condition. Their GP may check lung function and, if necessary, adjust treatment to prevent flare-ups and ensure they can remain active and engaged in their daily activities.

• Heart disease: For individuals with heart disease, regular monitoring of blood pressure is vital, as high blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors for further complications. Many people struggle to take their medications consistently, and a check-up ensures the treatment plan is still the best option. 

Allowing employees regular health check-ups is a proactive way to help prevent more serious health issues that could result in longer-term absences. By giving employees the time they need to manage their health and address concerns early, you reduce the risk of more significant, potentially career-impairing conditions developing.

Making health support accessible with support services

Encouraging employees to stay on top of their health is important, but it’s just as crucial to ensure they have easy access to healthcare when they need it.
WeCare* offers a unique virtual GP service with 24/7 access to UK-based doctors via video or telephone consultations.

The convenience removes many barriers to healthcare access, particularly when employees are unable to visit their registered GP due to time constraints or location.

The virtual GP can discuss symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, or unexplained weight gain or loss, which may indicate underlying chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, leading to further tests. Employees can also consult a UK-registered GP on the safety and efficacy of current vaccines or other health concerns. These services provide timely access to healthcare while helping help reduce NHS waiting times and appointment limitations. While a virtual GP doesn’t replace their registered GP, it offers valuable and timely support when needed, whether it’s for physical health concerns, mental health issues, or preventative advice.

In addition to virtual GP services, WeCare offers lifestyle advice, nutrition consultation services, and a Get Fit programme to help employees maintain an active lifestyle. By complementing traditional healthcare, these services ensure employees have access to comprehensive, timely care.

myStrength* further supports employees’ well-being with services designed to improve mood, manage anxiety, handle stress, balance emotions and improve sleep. Through myStrength, your employees can access integrated chat support, connecting directly with a guide who provides exercise and recommendations tailored to their needs.

To learn more about these services, including WeCare virtual GP and other support available to your employees, visit Support Services | Workplace | Canada Life UK.

Read Part 2: A health-focused culture beyond the physical

Ref:

1. Health matters: combating high blood pressure, January 2017
2. How much does the general public know about their blood pressure? - Health Innovation East
3. High cholesterol | Stroke Association
4. High cholesterol | Stroke Association
5. Diabetes is serious | Diabetes UK
6. Diabetes is serious | Diabetes UK
* myStrength and WeCare are provided to Canada Life Limited customers by Teladoc Health. These services are non-contractual and do not form part of your insurance contract with us. If our partnership with Teladoc Health ends, the service can be withdrawn at any time.