In February, we observe Heart & Stroke Month, a time to bring awareness to our cardiovascular health. While heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, there is so much we can do to prevent cardiovascular disease and increase our heart health.
Here are some suggestions from leading experts:
Learn your risk. See your health care professional for a risk assessment and work together to develop a plan for making heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Eat well. “Eat a variety of healthy foods each day – have plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins – and make water your choice of drink,” according to the Government of Canada website. You’ll find lots of great heart-healthy recipes here.
Move it. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. Exercise done in 10-minute increments counts toward that total. You’re more likely to stick with it if you find forms of exercise you like. You’ll find helpful ideas in this article on Making Fitness Fun.
Quit smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis—the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries—which can lead to a heart attack. Visit the site for the Canadian Lung Association for more on quitting smoking.
Take care of yourself. Along with eating smart and getting exercise, taking care of your overall wellbeing also helps protect against heart disease and other illnesses. That includes getting enough sleep, managing stress, and connecting with family and friends to boost your mood.
Courtesy of Lifeworks, UVic’s Employee Family Assistance Program