Dr Dorian Dugmore, internationally recognised expert in cardiovascular health, preventative medicine and wellness, is currently visiting installers across the country as part of Vaillant’s Business Benefits Tour. He speaks to us about the importance of installers looking after their health and subsequently, their business.
So, what is the Vaillant Business Benefits Tour?
The Vaillant Business Benefits Tour is all about giving installers advice with their business growth plans. The ‘Healthy Me, Healthy Business’ seminar is designed to remind installers that their entire business and their primary selling point is, in fact, themselves. Installers should therefore take steps to ensure their health is on top form so that they’re not putting their business at risk.
Tell us more…
In today’s performance orientated and competitive world, there is a real pressure for installers to deliver results day in, day out. There is nothing wrong with this but what worries me – and something I see on a daily basis – is that often the individual’s personal wellbeing is neglected as a result.
My seminar allows me to talk directly to installers and determine what wellbeing factors could be having an effect on their health and, if necessary, give them advice on how they can make improvements.
During the session we also get installers to carry out a questionnaire which reveals their biological age. This is calculated using factors such as family health history, smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise and stress – we find that many people are surprised to discover their biological age!
What are the wellbeing factors that can cause potential problems?
Constant stress is a major factor that needs to be addressed. If not dealt with successfully, its negative effects can include; high blood pressure which can contribute to potential heart problems and stroke; elevated blood sugars which can raise the risk of developing diabetes; increased production of acids in the stomach which can cause potential stomach upsets and even ulcers; changes in blood cholesterol which can raise the risk of coronary heart disease; and a host of other issues including dangerous heart rhythms which could be life threatening.
Lack of moderate exercise on a regular basis is also a key factor and can, quite simply, contribute to “clogging up the system”, particularly the blood vessels which can create the potential for blockages in the heart or brain. On the other hand, high intensity and sustained exhaustive exercise is not the best antidote as it can carry risks, particularly if you’re not really fit. Individuals should settle for more moderate intensity exercise which boosts endorphins and provides cardio-protective benefits.
What would you recommend to installers?
I recommend to all installers that they make an effort to know their key health numbers, just as they know their business numbers. These numbers include blood pressure, cholesterol and all of its sub fractions, and blood sugars. Having a regular ECG to monitor the heart’s rhythm is also valuable to check for any disturbances or lack of oxygen to the heart. An echo cardiogram to check for any structural or functional abnormalities of the heart wall is a good idea too.
At the Business Benefits Tour, Vaillant is offering installers a completely free personal wellbeing assessment, usually worth £150. The evaluation measures the installer’s oxygen levels using the cardio trace system which provides a good indication of the individual’s general health and wellbeing.
How can installers improve their wellbeing factors?
• Often easier said than done but learning to relax is essential. Deep breathing techniques often help regulate the heart’s rhythms and promote good heart health
• Do two to three hours of moderate exercise per week
• Know your own ‘wellbeing profile’ through measuring key health numbers on an annual basis or at events like the Vaillant Business Benefits Tour
• Listen to your body and be aware of your own internal warning signs – go to your doctor if you think you may have any symptoms of potential ill health
• Eat nutritious healthy food low in saturates and trans fatty acids, with a balance of protein and complex carbohydrates for slow and sustained energy release
• Drink eight to ten glasses of still cool water every day, keep hydrated through checking the colour of your urine, (it should be light & transparent in appearance, not dark)
• Allow laughter and happiness to percolate into your day and practice three random acts of kindness showing benevolence to those who work with you, it helps builds teams and protect health!
The Vaillant Business Benefits Tour dates are as follows:
• 11th July – Cambridge
• 12th July – Maidstone
• 18th July – Bristol
Installers can register online at www.vaillant-benefits.co.uk
[author image=”https://www.installeronline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/drdorian.jpg” ]Dr Dorian Dugmore (PhD Cardiovascular Medicine), Director of Beyond the Barriers, is internationally recognised as an expert in cardiovascular health, preventative medicine and wellness . His programmes have won World and European Best Practice awards for corporate wellness.[/author]
