Intervention Program to Control Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Risks for Oil and Gas Industry Employees

摘要

Cardiovascular disease is a serious public health problem worldwide, occupying the first place among the causes of morbidity and mortality and also with a high potential for disability. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease deaths represent 30% of all deaths worldwide. The oil and gas industry is not an exception to this problem, with statistics for an oilfield services company over the last 10 years showing that more than 150 employees died of cardiovascular disease; 95% from heart attack and 5% from stroke. In Colombia it was found in 2012 that a high percentage of the working population of the oilfield services company had one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease: 48.5% for overweight and obesity, 32% for lipid disorders, and 81% for physical inactivity (sedentarism). In consideration that many of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are modifiable, such as improving one’s lifestyle concerning diet and exercise, a program named Ergoday was structured and implemented to focus on providing an individual diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring of the modifiable risk factors. With an emphasis on weight control, muscle strength, and flexibility in addition to the control of cardiovascular risk factors, the aim of the Ergoday program is to control both cardiovascular risk and musculoskeletal disorders, which were also prevalent in the Colombia workforce. Participants in the program become aware of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the need for physical fitness to improve their quality of life. To achieve long-term success, the intervention includes specific recommendations to reduce or eliminate the risk factors and regular monitoring to assess compliance and impact of the recommendations given.