| Heart disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada. The good news is 8 in 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours. Here are some ways you can keep your heart healthy: Make your plate green, red and orange – Canada’s Food Guide recommends that half your plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. But the colour of the fruits is actually important. Dark green, red and red-orange fruits and vegetables are typically filled with vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. These antioxidants work to slow down the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Keep moving-Move around for 10 minutes according to your fitness and activity level. For instance, tidy your house, do some pushups, jog on the spot, walk the dog. It will put you on your way to the Heart and Stroke Foundation recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week. Inhale and exhale – Not to stress you out but stress can cause the heart to work harder, increase blood pressure, and increase sugar and fat levels in the blood. Consider booking an appointment with a counsellor or dietitian to get personalized strategies to keep your heart happy and healthy. Source: Telus Health Telus Health platform is now live. Complete a health assessment, begin a self-paced wellness program, check out supports and resources. Get the help you need, anytime, anywhere. |