Health organizations advise Canadians to prioritize their hearts

In light of February being Heart Month in Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is calling on Canadians to take more proactive measures that will help protect them from cardiovascular-related diseases.

"We're calling on Canadians to join our movement," said David Sculthorpe, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Every action, big or small makes a difference. Simple lifestyle changes like preparing a heart-healthy meal, going for a walk or quitting smoking can make it possible to change the odds against heart disease and stroke."

The HSF notes that while nine out of 10 people living in the country today have at least one health issue that increases their risk of heart disease - 40 per cent have three or more - these adverse health effects are preventable in 80 per cent of cases. But in order to avert these life-altering health risks, Beth Abramson, HSF spokesperson and cardiologist, says that Canadians need to do a better job disciplining themselves.

"Canadians can reduce their risk by making healthy lifestyle choices such as being physically active 150 minutes a week, knowing and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a healthy diet," said Abramson.

She added that if adults decided not to make a New Year's resolution in January, they should make a health pledge to themselves in February that they can stick with. This may include stopping smoking, implementing stress-relieving techniques, getting better control of diabetes through diet adjustments or reducing overall alcohol consumption.

Sculthorpe said that through heightened awareness and diligence, the long-term goal of cutting heart disease incidents by 25 per cent in 2020 can be reached.

"That represents almost 25,000 lives saved each and every year," said Sculthorpe. "If each Canadian takes action now to making heart-healthy actions, they can help us achieve these goals.

Another way Canadians may be able to help reduce their risks for heart disease is through better weight management. And according to the Ontario Medical Association, the obesity epidemic has become a serious issue for many individuals in the province.

A recent OMA report supports what several other previous studies on obesity from other institutions have suggested, which is that there is a link between obesity and heart disease, as well as several other life-altering conditions like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea and chronic liver disease. Ultimately, these conditions that so many individuals who are obese have wind up costing the Ontario health care system between $2.2 and $2.5 billion per year.

To make Ontarians healthier and reduce costs, the OMA has released a plan that advises governmental organizations to implement greater preventive action. This includes legislation that requires calorie listings for various foods at restaurants and cafeterias, making physical education activity required in high school and developing a more comprehensive campaign that better informs Ontarians about the importance exercise and diet has on their lives.

"Obesity is an epidemic in Ontario and we can't afford to wait any longer before the first steps are taken," said Stewart Kennedy, president of the OMA. "The health impact on our children today along with the future health care expenditures to treat obesity related illnesses are too prohibitive. We need action today."