Workplace wellness plays a vital role in the prevention and early detection of cardiovascular disease. Because a significant portion of our everyday lives is spent at work, cultivating heart-healthy habits in professional environments can lead to lasting, life-saving impacts.
Recently, Tiny Hearts of Maldives joined forces with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) Urban Primary Health Care Center to conduct an interactive Heart Health Awareness and Heart Numbers Screening session for the staff and leadership of Maldives Customs Service.
‘As we work long hours and on shift duty, our staff spend so much time of their every day at work. This initiative by Tiny Hearts has made us think about our heart health and put in place initiatives that can help our staff to take care of their heart health better while we serve the nation and allowed us as management to play a roll in it’ Maldives Customs Services, HR Head, Chief Superintendent, Dr. Fathimath Mohamed.
Proactive Screenings & Early Detection
During the outreach, 67 Customs Officers participated in on-site cardiovascular screenings to check their essential "Heart Numbers" — key vital signs and risk markers including blood pressure.
Screening is only the first step; closing the loop of care is what saves lives. For officers whose readings indicated potential cardiovascular risks, direct medical follow-ups and care pathways were immediately activated to ensure timely clinical guidance and intervention.
Investing in Long-Term Care: The Workplace BP Lending Programme
Sustainable cardiovascular health depends on routine, consistent monitoring rather than one-off checks.
To turn awareness into a lasting habit, Maldives Customs Service has invested in validated blood pressure monitors to establish an internal Workplace BP Machine Lending Programme. Through this forward-thinking initiative, staff members can borrow calibrated devices to track their blood pressure from home, log trends over time, and consult medical professionals whenever necessary.
Movement, Stress Mitigation, and Daily Habits
Cardiovascular wellness requires a balanced approach that combines physical activity with mental wellbeing. During the session, our team:
Introduced the Maldives Physical Activity Guidelines: Providing actionable tools and movement strategies designed to help officers integrate regular activity breaks into sedentary shifts and daily working routines.
Addressed Workplace Stress: Delivered a specialized module exploring the direct physiological link between chronic stress and heart strain, sharing practical stress-reduction techniques tailored to high-pressure work environments.
Strong Partnerships for Healthier Communities
Creating healthier workplace cultures is a collective effort. We extend our sincere gratitude to Maldives Customs Service for their proactive investment in the long-term health and wellbeing of their team.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to our clinical and public health partners at HPA and the IGMH Urban Primary Health Care Center, as well as our dedicated BP Program partner, STO PLC, for their continued support in driving our cardiovascular health initiatives across the nation.
Know your numbers. Know your heart.