Stress at work linked to arthritis
Working in stressful environments has long been linked with conditions such as headaches, depression and heart disease – but new research has found another health risk.
According to scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, stressful working environments can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the body’s joints.
The study suggests that a heavy workload and lack of control over outcomes increase the chances of developing the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the joints of the body become inflamed, resulting in swelling and soreness. There is no known cure for the condition but it can be treated with drugs and by taking care of the joints. Surgery can occasionally be needed.
Pressure at work, together with financial worries in the current economic climate, can lead to mental health problems, which need to be treated at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid the mind affecting the body.
It is important that anyone who may be suffering from stress or depression visits their GP as soon as possible.
Stress has a variety of causes and may be related to personal issues, ill health or working conditions. But it is now becoming clear that when a sufferer seeks treatment for the problem, it may not only improve their mental health, but could also have a marked beneficial effect on their overall health.
The research at the Karolinska Institute is another indication of the importance of early intervention in tackling mental health issues such as stress.
Talking to a trained counsellor can make dealing with mental health conditions easier. Westfield Health offers a 24-hour counselling and advice line on many of its cash plans. The service enables policyholders to talk to a counsellor, lawyer or medical advisor at any time in complete confidence.
Westfield’s Foresight and Chamber Plans also include up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, which allow policyholders to talk through issues on a confidential and one-to-one basis.
GP advice is also vitally important if you develop any symptoms of arthritis such as swelling around the joints, and pains and stiffness in the morning. Although there is no cure, beginning treatment early is important to prevent conditions worsening.
Most Westfield plans offer access to a 24-hour GP telephone consultation service, which enables policyholders to speak to a fully qualified GP at a convenient time, from anywhere in the world.
The GP telephone helpline is also available to Foresight Plan policyholders who are covered by the Fitness and Wellbeing benefit in addition to the core plan.
For more information on the Advantage Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
For more information on the Good4you Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp
For more information on the Foresight Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/foresight/index.asp
For more information on the Chamber Primary Health Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/chamber/index.asp
For more information on the Westfield Flex Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/flex/index.asp
Reference:
http://www.arc.org.uk/news/article/18800794
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