17.9 million people die every year from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), accounting for worldwide fatalities of 32% - that’s more than all cancers combined. Yet, most CVDs are preventable and treatable if risk factors are reduced.

Cardiovascular disease is also one of the costliest medical conditions for employers in both direct costs - including coverage for health care services and medicines - and indirect costs related to lost productivity from disability and death.

On this World Heart Day, we need to ask ourselves how are we driving action to educate our Ghana workforces, how are we encouraging them to take charge of their heart health and that of others, and what can we do to prevent CVDs, the number one killer globally?

Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the above as well as provide insight into:

• Misconceptions around heart disease – what should we know?
• Risk factors – behaviours and conditions you can change and control vs characteristics you cannot change
• Minutes matter – know the common symptoms
• The importance of CPR training and AED availability
• The cost of CVD – and the importance of workplace wellness programmes in screening, combatting and saving lives 

Should you be interested in interviewing Dr Chris, please let me know and I will be happy to take care of the logistics on your behalf.