Men's Health Week 2025
Heart and circulatory diseases—including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure—are the leading cause of death among men in the UK, with over 4 million men currently living with these conditions. Despite this, heart health is often overlooked in the workplace, especially among younger men who may not realise they’re at risk.
- 1 in 4 premature deaths in the UK is due to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- 28% of people in the UK have poor heart health scores, with men particularly affected by poor glucose control and cholesterol levels.
- Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and long working hours are major contributors—many of which are common in modern work environments.
Being alert to early symptoms of heart-related issues can make a big difference. Encourage colleagues to speak up or seek help if they experience:
- Chest pain or tightness – especially if it feels like pressure or squeezing.
- Shortness of breath – during light activity or even at rest.
- Fatigue or dizziness – unusual tiredness or feeling faint without clear cause.
- Irregular heartbeat – sensations of fluttering, racing, or skipped beats.
These symptoms may not always mean something serious, but they shouldn't be ignored.
Tips for employees
Movement
Outdoors: Walking meetings to stay active.
Deskercise: Take breaks and incorporate simple desk exercises like seated leg lifts, shoulder rolls, or desk push-ups to keep your blood flowing during long periods of sitting.
Know Your Numbers
Regularly monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood sugar to stay on top of your cardiovascular health.
Diet
Choose meals rich in fibre and low in salt, saturated fats, and processed or sugary foods to support a healthy heart.
Healthy snack option can include unsalted nuts, fruit, wholegrain crackers.
Rest and Relaxation
Get quality sleep and manage stress through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques.
Quit Smoking
Take proactive steps to stop smoking
Heart Health Benefits
At Bupa, we offer a range of benefits designed to support heart health for our employees.
Our range of benefits is designed to promote cardiovascular wellbeing in the workplace, with practical tools, expert resources, and everyday support to help everyone feel their best—at work and beyond.
Health Assessments
All health assessments include heart rhythm screenings, a consultation with a Bupa doctor, a personalised health report, and a practical action plan with advice to help minimise future health risks. All colleagues who are eligible for the Bupa Staff Health Trust are eligible to receive a health assessment once every two years.
MyHealthcare
This service gives all our permanent employees quick, easy access to support, advice, and treatment for a variety of health-related issues, including remote GP - all available from one phone number.
Heart Health Resources
Webinars, toolkits, and personalised guidance through Bupa’s Wellbeing Hub.
Encouraging Physical Activity
We actively promote work-life balance and flexible working wherever possible, helping to reduce stress and create more opportunities for physical activity—both of which are vital for heart health.
One of our key initiatives, Healthy Cities, encourages individuals to move more throughout their day, supporting cardiovascular wellbeing through increased physical activity and healthier lifestyle choices.
24/7 Anytime Healthline
Our Anytime Healthline is a completely confidential, round-the-clock service offering unlimited telephone consultations with Bupa nurses.
You can call our Anytime Healthline if you feel unwell or need advice on how to stay healthy in your day-to-day life. Our nurses can help with a range of topics, including cardiovascular health.
Gym Discounts
Option 1 - Pay as you go
Anyone at Bupa can have access to discounts at a wide variety of gyms and fitness facilities across the UK. This benefit includes access to online digital fitness providers and MoveGB, a multi activity membership.
Option 2 – Annual membership
Permanent employees can enjoy up to 40% off at over 4,000 gyms across the UK, including major chains, budget-friendly options, local leisure centres, and independent clubs. Membership fees will be conveniently deducted from your pay in twelve equal instalments. Partner and family memberships are also available.
Bupa Benefits
To find out more about what other benefits we offer our people, visit our benefits page.