With growing numbers of youngsters working for long hours in shifts at BPO and KPO, several health problems, unusual for their age, have cropped up. Erratic work hours, altered circadian rhythms, social activities and lifestyle patterns have not only added stress but also changed the body function.
Circadian is a latin word meaning “around a day”. Circadian rhythms are regular mental and physical changes that occur in course of a day. The most well-known circadian rhythm is the human sleep cycle. Disturbed circadian rhythms adversely affect body temperature, blood pressure, hormones(cortisol, growth hormone, insulin, melatonin, leptin), leading to weight problems, increased risk to cardiovascular diseases, gestro intestinal disturbances, compromised immunity, lowered mental alertness, concentration, sexual behaviour, skin and hair health to name a few.
Coupled with altered circadian rhythms, consuming high calories, oil laden, high salt and sugar and dangerous trans fats from vending machines or cafeterias, long gaps between meals, going over the top partying, drinking, smoking, stress and no time to exercise makes it a lethal cocktail. The fallout of this lifestyle can range from minor complaints like increased infections, flus, sleeping and menstrual disorders, fatigue, heart burn, constipation, IBS(irritable bowel syndrome), bloating, flatulence to serious ones like obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, infertility and many more.
Certainly, this is a population “at risk” and timely intervention programmes are needed to save these people, the organization and the nation from the huge burden of disease, disability and loss of productivity. Considering that employees spend better part of his/her day at work, workplace represents a logical place to ensure proper nutrition through healthy meal provision. It is also an ideal setting for teaching employees about proper nutrition and hygiene-the effect percolating to families and entire population at little cost.
WHO has reported that intervention programs to reduce the risk of diseases through diet are largely cost effective. Also it was reported that adequate nourishment could raise national productivity by 20 per cent. Initiatives where companies have provided healthy food choices with fruit and vegetable breaks and
access to physical activity, employees have reported a change in their eating preferences, many have lost weight and now look forward to healthier meals.
Workplace is the most essential and the beat to make a start. From multinationals to small scale enterprises, everyone can benefits from improved attention to food at work. Improvements whether through improved cafeterias or mess halls, or introduction of healthy meal options, provision of safe and hygienic food and drinking water are well within the reach of any business, even the smallest. Good nutrition is good business and a sound investment!
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