Healthy Hearts – Enabling Thriving Workforces and Joyful Communities
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, and Guyana is no exception. In fact, according to the World Health Organization 2022, Guyana has one of the highest rates of heart-related deaths in the Caribbean. From stroke to heart attacks, Guyanese are dying prematurely. Heart-related chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, are preventable and continue to be major contributors to morbidity and mortality in Guyana. These conditions often lead to complications that can negatively affect an individual’s health and longevity.
Heart-related illness doesn’t just harm individuals, it reduces workplace productivity, increases absenteeism, puts stress on family members and increases healthcare costs.
Further, the impacts are not only felt by the individuals suffering from these conditions, but also by the healthcare system, which faces increased demand for services and resources. Cardiovascular disease risk is linked to lifestyle factors, such as inactivity, poor nutrition, and unmanaged stress. Among our adult population, many lack regular physical activity putting them at elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Many aspects of the working environment and day to day living can also contribute to poor cardiovascular health. Sedentary desk jobs and long workdays contribute to high levels of inactivity. Limited access to healthy foods during the work day, long and stressful commutes, job stress and job hazards can all contribute to increased risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes.
While the workplace can present as a risk factor for heart disease, it can also be part of the solution for addressing heart health.
When we consider that workers spend most of their waking hours at work, the opportunity for the workplace to influence worker’s health is significant. Corporate wellness solutions provide employers with the opportunity to make a positive lasting impact on the well-being of their employees by implementing heart-healthy initiatives and policies towards mitigating the risk of heart disease. Proactive prevention can play a crucial role in decreasing health risks associated with chronic conditions. Targeting prevention at the workplace becomes a smart business decision, and recognizes the benefits of a healthy workforce and the cost-savings realized by avoiding the costs of treating illness.
As the health landscape in Guyana continues to evolve, one organization is putting heart health and joyful movement at the center of its mission —STRIDE592 is a local wellness initiative that is redefining how we think about fitness—not as a chore, but as a celebration.
By amplifying the joy that comes from regular movement—whether walking, running, doing yoga or participating in community fitness events—STRIDE592 encourages individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles in a way that feels communal, accessible and fun.
STRIDE592 partners with businesses to address their workplace health and wellness needs by developing collaborative solutions that support national wellness goals and contribute to reducing Guyana’s high burden of heart disease. We advocate for preventive measures, such as regular health screenings, lifestyle modifications, and workplace health campaigns, to help workers identify risk factors early and promote healthier behaviors.
As Guyana evolves its approach to workplace wellbeing, STRIDE592 collaborates with employers to design culturally relevant, site-specific health initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their workforce. Rooted in sound public health principles, these programs empower companies to take an active role in supporting their employees cardiovascular health. By promoting heart wellness at work, employers demonstrate strong servant leadership — recognizing that healthy hearts are the foundation of healthy, productive, and resilient organizations.
STRIDE592 is based on the belief that active people are the heart and soul of healthy communities. STRIDE592-led activities include weekly walk/run/yoga sessions open to the public and corporate teams; inclusive programs that welcome all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds; and nutrition and other health promotion education.
You can learn more about STRIDE592, its current events and the impact it has already had at www.stride592.com.
Companies can also have broader community impact by participating in STRIDE592’s signature event “SOCA Heart”. SOCA – Strengthening Our Cardiovascular Advocacy – Heart is a cardiovascular awareness and research fundraising campaign scheduled for September 28, 2025 and hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Department of Cardiology at Georgetown Public Hospital, and Woodlands Hospital Limited.
Contact the SOCA Heart Project and join us in inspiring Guyana to “start moving for healthy hearts, minds and souls” for a second year in September. Targeting heart health through corporate and community partnership is an investment in the future of Guyana, because healthy hearts build healthy nations.
