February is Heart Month

In February, many organizations aim to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health, and what we can to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

The death rate from heart disease and stroke has declined more than 75% in the last 6 decades, but it is still the 2nd leading cause of death in our country.

• Approx. 1.6 million Canadian adults are living with heart disease

• 9 in 10 Canadians have at least 1 risk factor

• In Canada, 1 life will be lost every 5 minutes due to heart disease, stroke or other related conditions

 

Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure

• Lack of physical activity

• Obesity

• Tobacco Use

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

 

Lifestyle changes are often difficult to make, but they are important to make before it is too late – a healthier lifestyle can make a huge difference, and it can be as simple as eating a more balanced diet by reducing your intake of refined sugar, sodium and trans fat.

We aren’t saying you can’t indulge – moderation is key.

 

Ways to reduce your risk of heart disease:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Get enough sleep

• Exercise regularly

• Don’t smoke

• Limit use of alcohol