Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day!  It is no coincidence that Valentines Day falls in the middle of Heart Health Awareness Month.   According to Public Health Canada, about 2.4 million people over the age of 20 live with heart disease.  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada.   But there is good news- 8 out of 10 heart attacks can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes.   But what can you do?

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1. Eat well….    Make healthier choices when eating out or dining in.  Increase fruits and vegetables, while decreasing processed foods.
2. Get moving…  Try to be active for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.  But remember that it does not have to be 30 continuous minutes.   Take a ten-minute walk at lunch to start that heart pumping
3. Maintain a healthy weight….   Eating well and exercise will help to maintain ideal weight.  Remember that every bit helps.  Losing even 10% of your weight can reduce the load on your body
4. Reduce stress:   Take time daily to relax and do something you enjoy.  Although yoga and meditation are great, so is laughter and being around loved ones.   Try to recognize what stresses you so you can deal with it effectively.
5. Avoid tobacco:  As most of you know, reducing, or eliminating cigarettes and other forms of tobacco will significantly reduce heart disease.   It is challenging to do this alone, talk to a medical professional for help.
   

So…  take time tonight to enjoy your loved one, but instead of heading to a restaurant for some rich delights, try a heart healthy alternative.   Go dancing!  Challenge your loved one to bowling.   Bundle up and go skating at a local rink.

Happy Valentines Day from the team at Physio Sport Med of Oakville.