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The death of journalist Tim Russert has helped to focus attention on the role that employers and their corporate HR departments can play in preventing their workers from suffering crippling or fatal heart attacks, according to a leading prevention expert.
Dr. Boyd Lyles, corporate medical director at U.S. Preventive Medicine, says it’s not uncommon for heart attacks to strike individuals who seem relatively healthy or who feel good. Some of his suggestions for employers to provide employees with:
• A proactive, employee-friendly portal to preventive health care information and resources.
• Health risk assessments, lifestyle/behavior education opportunities and guidance for appropriate medical testing.
• Health coaching, either by telephone or Internet. An online “library” that is easily accessible that features publications by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Dietetic Association and other recognized health authorities.
Consider providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for volunteers. Information is available from the American Heart Association).
Also purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED), and training volunteers in its use (information is available from the American Red Cross).
(Stephen Miller, 7/08, online editor/manager for SHRM)
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