Bandar Seri Begawan - With heart diseases being the second leading cause of death in Brunei, it is vital to keep a healthy body by taking short breaks from daily routines at work to do physical exercises in order to reduce health risks.

This was highlighted by Dr Hjh Lailawati Hj Jumat, Acting Director of Hospital Services, during the World Heart Day celebration at Jerudong Park Playground yesterday.

"They (physical exercises) will have a positive impact on their (individuals who regularly exercise) health and also helps in reducing heart disease, including cardiovascular disease," the acting director told The Brunei Times.

Dr Hjh Lailawati added that this year's celebration in the country is Chemed "Work with Heart, Work Smart" which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle at the workplace by organising events such as Mukim Sehat, or Healthy Sub-district, and weekly exercise programmes.

"Just spend a couple of minutes and do exercise because all these slight increase in physical healthiness will help in the long run," she said.

Exercises do not necessarily have to be carried out before work, it could also be done in between daily routines at work, she added.

According to a press statement from the World Heart Federation on its website, the workplace is an ideal setting to encourage healthy lifestyles as most people spend over half of their waking hours at work.

This year's celebration focuses on small changes, such as bans on smoking, making more fruits and vegetables available at canteens, and encouraging workers to incorporate physical activities into their daily routines, which can all make a big difference in terms of better health.

These measures help prevent not just heart disease and stroke, but also other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, which altogether causes 60 per cent of all deaths worldwide, according to the statement by the World Heart Federation on its website.

It also stated that there are substantial benefits for employers, including increased productivity and up to 20 per cent fewer sick days, lower medical costs, improved morale and corporate image, and enhanced staff retention.

Through its members and partners, the World Heart Federation has gathered a number of case studies that showcase best practices from all over the world.

The Federation is a nongovernmental organisation committed to helping the global population achieve a longer and better life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with focus on low and middle-income countries.

The organisation's membership comprises 198 medical societies and heart foundations in more than 100 countries.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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