A recent study with data from 142 countries revealed the huge cost burden of lifestyle diseases on health budgets globally. In 2013, this total cost burden on the Australian economy was $805 million with $640 million in direct costs and $165 million in productivity losses. Such costs included healthcare expenses in the treatment of diseases related to physical inactivity such as diabetes and heart disease.
Fortunately, workplaces are beginning to adopt changes to their offices and layouts to encourage more physical activity. Some big companies such as Macquarie Bank, KPMG and Microsoft are encouraging their staff to partake in “disguised fitness” i.e. to have a walk and talk meeting rather than sitting down, with the aim of 10 000 steps per day. The companies in return, gain more enthusiastic, engaged, productive and innovative employees.
To see how we can help you and your workplace become more physically active, contact us at Philip Wood Physiotherapy.