ABC of Wisconsin helping with fight against Cardio Vascular Disease in construction

By Kyle Schwarm, ABC of Wisconsin Marketing & Communication Director

Adults in the construction industry have a slightly higher prevalence of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) compared to all industries, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

In fact, 1 in 25 construction workers are diagnosed with cardio vascular disease.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin is partnering with the American Heart Association in Madison on its Hard Hats With Heart campaign, as a presenting sponsor, to help create awareness about this deadly disease.

“We all know someone who has been affected by heart disease and many of these victims are in our industry,” said John Mielke, president of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin. “This partnership with the American Heart Association is an opportunity to create some awareness on the impact of the disease so we can all work to reduce the risk.”

The CDC also reports 1 in 4 construction workers use tobacco and 1 in 4 construction workers are obese.  Construction workers are also more likely to get no physical activity outside of work compared with other industries.

American heart association graphic

There are four things contractors and other employers can do to promote a healthier workforce:

  • Get an AED that can deliver an electrical shock that can jolt a heart back into rhythm
  • Learn CPR to deliver to a cardiac victim (1 in 5 cardiac arrests happen at work). CPR from a bystander can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival
  • Learn your heart score from The American Heart Association at mylifecheck.com
  • Develop a plan so your workplace is healthier

ABC of Wisconsin is working with the heart association to develop Hard Hat With Heart stickers and produce a video to promote the Hard Hats With Heart campaign.

For more information about sponsorship & volunteer opportunities, please contact Carrie Nevins at CarrieAnn.Nevins@heart.org.

 
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