Pernilla's life was turned upside down after a health check at her workplace. After skipping all previous health screenings that the workplace had offered, Pernilla got a wake-up call when the results of the health screening came back.
In this case we spoke with Pernilla, who tells us how her life changed after a health screening with OneLab — a wake-up call that made her realise she had to start prioritising her health.
Pernilla loves her job
Pernilla is 48 and has worked as an accounting economist since she was young. She appreciates her job while also putting a lot of pressure on herself. Work therefore takes up a lot of time and Pernilla works between 50–60 hours a week. She says it is common for her to have an extra cup of coffee instead of eating lunch and to skip breaks with colleagues if a client calls. Everything must be done as quickly as possible with the highest quality to keep clients satisfied. Pernilla also has three children, which means a lot of activities in her free time.
Skipped previous health checks
Over the past four years Pernilla's employer has offered health checks to employees outside the office. This meant employees had to travel some distance to carry out the health screening. "Then I focused on work and did not prioritise going," says Pernilla.
When the company started its partnership with us at OneLab and we invited all employees to health screenings at their own office, Pernilla felt she could make the time. "Since the health check only took ten minutes and was at the office, I might as well do it," says Pernilla.
Blood pressure turned out to be far too high
During Pernilla's health check she met Rebecka, who is a nurse at OneLab. Rebecka started by taking Pernilla's blood pressure but wanted to repeat it to double-check whether it was accurate once Pernilla had sat down for a while and calmed down. It was accurate — Pernilla's blood pressure was far too high. "I know I have been stressed for a long time, have not prioritised my health and that we have high blood pressure in the family, but I was still very shocked when I heard how high it was," says Pernilla. Nurse Rebecka also took blood samples during the health screening which were then sent for analysis.
Given the high blood pressure, Rebecka advised contacting a doctor as soon as possible, which Pernilla did. Two days later she got an appointment and the doctor prescribed blood pressure medication that Pernilla must take daily.
Pernilla's values were in the risk zone
A week or so later the results came back, showing that several of Pernilla's tests were in the risk zone. Rebecka from OneLab called Pernilla to give feedback. "I got a wake-up call, because I had not felt anything more than being tired and stressed," says Pernilla. Most worrying were Pernilla's high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Pernilla had type 2 diabetes and today she takes medication daily to bring down her high values.
Pernilla says she has received support and advice from Rebecka and OneLab's doctor Andreas throughout the process. "I have received a very good reception from Rebecka and Andreas. They have been calm, professional and given me continuous feedback. Andreas even called on a Sunday, which shows great commitment. Today I take four tablets daily, but with the right diet and exercise, and less stress, I can lower my values again," says Pernilla hopefully.
A wake-up call that changed her life
After the health screening Pernilla realised that a change had to happen. "I have been given food for thought and my goal now is to eliminate stress and prioritise myself. Despite shocking values I am incredibly grateful for OneLab's examination. That they came to my workplace so I actually carried it out — otherwise this could have ended badly," says Pernilla.
"I don't know what would have happened if I had not gone to the health screening. It has been a wake-up call and now I have to take care of myself. By speaking openly about my story I hope I can help others who are in the same situation and contribute to a sustainable working life," concludes Pernilla.
