Working with organisations to encourage healthier habits to lower NCD risk
The preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs ), which contribute to 400, 000 deaths and cause 1.6 trillion baht in economic losses annually, were the warning signs of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation ( ThaiHealth ) warning workers about the life-threatening health risks.
About half of these incidents were persons of working time, said Dr Pairoj Saonuam, the director of ThaiHealth.
He stated on Labor Day that organizations may play a significant role in preventing premature death by encouraging good health behaviors among workers in order to combat NCDs, which are collectively accountable for 74 % of all deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization.
Diseases include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease.
In Thailand, these NCDs are associated with bad health habits including alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, an unstable nutrition and a sedentary life, said Dr Pairoj.
In reply, ThaiHealth has launched Happy Workplace, a venture to argue for recognition of NCDs, incorporate work to prevent illnesses and encourage healthier lifestyles in the workplace.
Additionally, the task intends to maintain a healthy culture, establish a security system, and manage the collection of data on NCD risk factors.
The job was piloted in 30 regions, with 10, 000 companies participating in the first step. By 2027, ThaiHealth anticipates joining the initiative from 15, 000 organizations.
Somboon Advance Technology Plc, a main auto parts supplier with 2,300 employees in Samut Prakan state, is one of the participants.
Noppadon Roeksiri, the agency’s staff relationships director, said the corporation decided to participate by focusing on increasing understanding and knowledge of Diseases to lessen the dangers of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and fat.
The business also wants to improve management of stress brought on by job- and income-related issues, encourage volunteerism in order to foster content communities, and expand natural spaces for better health.
Menam Stainless Wire Plc., another company that is preparing to add, is another one.
Rungrat Siriratanapanich, the company’s managing director, announced the adoption of a set of learning materials intended to aid in the promotion of healthy behavior and the prevention of NCDs.
Some of the promotion materials encourage employees to meet peer-to-peer physical workout programs while others focus on raising awareness among employees about the value of eating more fatty and spicy foods.
Other health promotion initiatives include encouraging staff to start sports clubs at work and encouraging cigarette and alcohol consumption, she said.