Workplace Stress and the Risk of Heart Disease
Author: Richard O. Straub
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This brief NBC News video clip discusses the Great American Speedup and its relationship to heart disease. In 1979 Americans worked an average of 8-9 hours per day. In 2014, more people are working 24/7, on weekends, and even while on vacation—an average of 5 additional weeks each year. In addition, Americans sleep less than ever before. One-third of adults routinely get 6 hours of sleep or less each night. This combination of overwork and sleep deprivation can be harmful to health. Chronic work overload doubles the risk for developing heart disease.
1. In 1979, the average work day in the United States was how long?
2. Between 1979 and 2014, the average number of weeks workers in the United States work each year:
3. What proportion of adults in the United States routinely get 6 hours of sleep or less each night?
4. What percentage of workers in the United States say they work on weekends?
5. What proportion a person’s risk for developing heart disease is believed to be related to stress?
6. People who routinely work 11 or more hours each day:
7. Which of the following doubles an individual’s risk of developing heart disease?
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