BUSY workers have been urged to fit some exercise into their packed schedules after a survey showed more than a third thought their job had adversely affected their health.

The research, commissioned by the British Heart Foundation, found 34 per cent of workers aged 25-50 felt work had damaged their health, and that 29 per cent thought their weight had increased because of their job.

Other findings in the poll were that more than half of those asked would do more work if they worked shorter hours, and that many would welcome the removal of temptation from the workplace.

Some 40 per cent would support a ban on smoking at work, with a further 35 per cent backing an alcohol-free workplace.

An extra health concern is the trend towards a more intensive working day, with 45 per cent of respondents saying they take fewer breaks than they did two years ago.

And the lunch "hour" seems to be a thing of the past - more than halfthose asked take less than 30 minutes, and only 20 per cent manage to fit in any physical activity in their break twice a week or more.

Maxine Smith of the British Heart Foundation said even young people had to think about how their working life was affecting their health.

She said: "The process of furring up of the arteries starts in young people and is influenced by lifestyle.

"Research shows that moderate exercise can improve the way that arteries work, so simple steps, such as going for a brisk walk at lunchtime, can make a real difference."

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