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Contributed By: Tricia Schweers, Services Coordinator
Article Sources: Canada.ca, Health Canada, February is Heart Health Month, accessed February 2022 https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada
February is Heart Health Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health, and what we can to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults and is the second leading cause of death in Canada.
We can all reduce our risk of heart disease by making healthy lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking, eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To help Canadians make some of these lifestyle changes, the Government of Canada is supporting innovative programs and partnerships like Run to Quit, Carrot Rewards, APPLE Schools and Kid Food Nation, in communities across Canada. These initiatives support healthy living and help to prevent chronic diseases in all ages.
The Healthy Eating Strategy also outlines how the Canadian Government will meet their commitments on strengthening nutrition and ingredient labelling, including sugars and food colours; reducing sodium in foods; eliminating industrially produced trans fat; and restricting marketing to children.
The need to continue to reduce smoking rates, particularly among youth, and so tobacco control is a key priority for Government. They have proposed new vaping legislation, and taken action to ban the use of menthol flavouring in cigarettes, blunt wraps, and most cigars sold in Canada.
Beyond healthy choices, cardiovascular disease is also influenced by biological and other risk factors.
That's why the Government is continuing to support research projects to improve our understanding of certain heart conditions and help guide the development of new treatments and prevention techniques.
During Heart Month, we encourage all Canadians to take the opportunity to learn more about the risks factors for heart disease and what can be done to prevent it. Making one small change towards a healthier lifestyle can make a big difference.
The PWC is always available for you to contact by calling (250) 767-0141 Monday to Friday between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm to get information on available resources, programs and services. The PWC partners with many organizations to ensure the help you need is available. Want More from the PWC? Sign up for our newsletter, or find us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram @peachlandwellness