Work stress 'increases under-50s heart risk'
By Nic Fleming, Medical Correspondent, Daily Telegraph - 23/01/2008

Stressed workers under 50 are two-thirds more likely to suffer from heart disease, a new study shows.
Employees with heavy workloads and little control over decisions that affect their professional lives were found to be 68 per cent more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who had easier jobs.
While previous studies have also suggested stress is linked to cardiovascular problems, the new research sheds light on the specific changes to the nervous system and the body's hormone levels that cause the increased risk.
Researchers found stress at work increased the risk of heart attacks by undermining the body's natural mechanisms for coping under pressure.
The research team at University College London, which monitored more than 10,000 civil servants over 12 years, showed how the hearts of those under the most pressure became less able to change the rate at which they beat in response to stress over time.
They also found that high workplace demands also encourage smoking, poor diet and a lack of physical activity - all linked to increased danger of heart disease.
Dr Tarani Chandola, a senior lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at UCL who led the study, said: "This is the first large study of people in everyday working life, rather than just of chronic burnt-out patients, showing that those who report more stress are also more likely to have certain biological stress responses."
He added that during 12 years of follow-up the researchers ''found that chronic work stress was associated with coronary heart disease and this association was stronger among both men and women aged under 50 - their risk of coronary heart disease was an average of 68 per cent more than for people who reported no stress at work".
Dr Chandola and colleagues, whose research is published in the European Heart Journal, questioned 10,308 civil servants aged between 35 and 55 on work stress. They rated the demands of their jobs, how much control they had over decisions and the levels of support they received from colleagues and superiors.
Worker status - While the younger worker seemed to be more at risk, the findings were the same regardless of the status of the worker. Previous studies had suggested those of lower employment grades may be more at risk. "We did not find strong evidence that the effect of work stress on heart disease is worse for those in lower grades - the effect of stress was pretty much the same across different grades," said Dr Chandola.
The body defends the heart from damage caused by stress through a system called the autonomic nervous system. Stressful situations trigger immediate increases in levels of the hormone adrenaline and boost heart rate. These subside gradually when conditions return to normal.
However, repeatedly high levels of stress causes wear and tear, undermining this so-called heart rate variability - the heart's natural stress defence mechanism.

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The International Stress Management Association concurs that this study also reinforces what has been identified by previous research, that stress at work is often associated with unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, lack of exercise and a poor diet - all which can impact on the overall health of the heart.
For further information regarding this article or to find a stress management trainer in your area you can contact:
The International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK) on:
T: 01179 697284 E:stress@isma.org.uk W:www.isma.org.uk

Press Release


NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY 2009 is on 4th November. The theme for this year's campaign will be announced in the summer. The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) is encouraging everyone to to acknowledge NSAD and to think about how unproductive and demoralising stress can be. Acknowledging the things that put undue pressure on your life and then doing something positive and constructive to manage that pressure can cut stress off at it's roots. "Worrying is extremely ineffective" says Ann McCracken, Chair of ISMA. "Worrying drains your energy, saps your strength and makes you less able to cope with every day pressure. I find a lot of people on training courses tell me that they worry about lots of things but it doesn’t change anything!" she said. Please vist the NSAD website (http://www.nationalstressawarenessday.co.uk ) where you can find information on how to reduce your pressures. Using Cognitive Behavioural techniques and visualisation helps put people back in control of their lives when worry gets too much. It ‘s good news for worriers and good news for their health. ENDS ISMA UK The International Stress Management Association UK is a registered charity with a multi-disciplinary professional membership. It exists to promote sound knowledge and best practice in the prevention and reduction of human stress. It sets professional standards for the benefit of individuals and organisations using the services of its members. ISMA was founded and is still supported by the top names in the field of Stress Management. It is the world's largest and most widespread organisation of Stress Management professionals with branches in 10 countries. They have organised National Stress Awareness Day for the past 9 years Media contacts:

Jenny Edwards National Stress Awareness Day Co-ordinator Tel:+ 44 (0) 7511271777

Ann McCracken Chair ISMA /f: + 44 (0) 1788 823361 m: + 44 (0) 7768018131

Labels: Press Release

Updated HSE Management Standards Analysis Tool

New version launched on National Stress Awareness Day 5th November 2008

On National Stress Awareness day, Wednesday 5th November 2008, HSE will launch an updated version of the HSE Management Standards Analysis Tool and User Manual. The main improvement in the new version is the option to benchmark against either data drawn from organisations in both the private and public sector, or the current data drawn from the Psychosocial Working Conditions (PWC) survey 2004. The revised Analysis Tool User Manual includes a full description of the two data sets. For a full appreciation of the functions and limitations please read the User Manual before using the Analysis Tool.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/downloads.htm

Labels: HSE

The findings of the second phase of the research on 'Management competencies for preventing and reducing stress at work' were published on the 03 June 2008

The research aimed to refine the framework of competencies required by managers to prevent and reduce stress at work, to develop a questionnaire to measure the competencies and to explore the usability of both framework and questionnaire. It was funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Investors in People UK. Free access is provided as follows:

- The full research report can be downloaded from the HSE website at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr633.htm

- Short guidance leaflets providing the findings of the research can be downloaded from the CIPD website: http://www.cipd.co.uk:80/subjects/health/stress/_lnmngtstrs.htm

Emma Donaldson-Feilder MA MSc C.Psychol.Chartered Occupational Psychologist will be presenting the latest report at the ISMA conference on the 27 June 2008

Labels: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

REF: PRO/ISMA/FEB09/OA For Immediate Release


The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) is taking a leading role in this year’s Health and Wellbeing - as exhibitors, as the chair of the Stress Management programme and by officially supporting the event.

ISMA is the leading UK Professional Body in the specialist field of stress management, providing information and resources to enable the effective recognition of stress and to promote the development of sustainable practices for optimum resilience and wellbeing.

Ann McCracken, chair of ISMA, will be leading Tuesday’s Stress Management programme. During the course of the day, various subjects will be covered by leading professionals in the field including ‘Managing Stress, What Works in Engaging Managers and Employers’ and ‘Laughing Matters – Relieving Stress Through Laughter’. Following each lecture, there will be opportunity for open discussion facilitated by Mrs McCracken.

ISMA not only helps individuals dealing with various emotional pressures but is leading the way in developing stress management policies for the workplace. Mrs McCracken states; "It is vital that those dealing with stress recognize the impact it can have in the workplace. So, as well as learning how to prevent it, managers need to understand how to manage it when it occurs. We are therefore delighted to play such a key role in this year’s event and I look forward to meeting delegates throughout the two days."

ISMA also has an exhibition stand at the event enabling both individuals and organisations with an interest in the subject of stress management to receive up to date advice. Those attending Stand 144a will be encouraged to take part in a ‘stress in the workplace’ study by completing a simple questionnaire. All participants of the questionnaire will be put forward for the chance to win signed copies of either; How to Deal with Stress by Professors Stephen Palmer and Cary Cooper or The Stress Gremlins by Ann McCracken. -ends-

Issued on behalf of ISMA by Pro-actions. For further information contact Simon Lamb on: 01245 344263 or 07881 911120.

Notes to Editors: • The International Stress Management Association will be available for comment on Stand 144a.

Labels: Press Release