Tag: heart disease

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February is Heart Month

What is Heart Month?  For over 60 years the Heart and Stroke Foundation has organized Heart Month. It is has become one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Canada. February is widely recognized as the month of love. Ahem, Valentine’s Day. It will come as no surprise that February is also a month dedicated to raising awareness for cardiovascular health. While it may be endearing to have your heart skip a beat for the love of your life or for your breath to be taken away, make sure the experience is one of love and not that of oxygen loss or abnormal heart rhythm. Heart disease is a general term that refers to the heart not working the way it should. Various forms of heart disease are present at birth, while other forms develop as we age. Practicing a healthy lifestyle and staying up to date with medical research, resources and care are critical components to reducing heart disease and living your best heart-healthy life. Get Involved

  • Start with the basics… wear red to raise awareness
  • Eat heart-healthy foods (2019 Canada’s Food Guide)
  • Reduce stress by practicing age-appropriate physical activity
  • Prepare for heart health emergencies with the purchase of an AED 
  • Get screened for risk factors. Understand your unique risks.
  • Become an organ donor and/or donate blood at your nearest clinic
  • Learn CPR. Get certified. Contact First Aid Canada.
  • Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption
  • Promote overall wellness with a healthy sleep schedule

Did you know? Cardiac arrest – a potential symptom of a heart attack and stroke – occurs when electrical activity in the heart malfunctions. This can happen suddenly and without warning. It is important that you and your family, friends and coworkers learn CPR because with a combination of dialing 911, early CPR and defibrillation you can increase the chance of survival by 75% or greater when performed on someone suffering from cardiac arrest. In the spirit of February being Heart Month, First Aid Canada is offering reduced pricing and free shipping on all AED orders! Shop now while supplies last.  Follow us on Instagram  for more heart healthy tips, tricks and interesting facts.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

Older woman

5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

As we are well into Heart Month 2018 – If you haven’t been following on social media we have been posting an interesting “Fact of The Day” or health tip every day to celebrate #HeartMonth!

In this week’s blog we’ve decided to share a few heart disease prevention tips to encourage you and your loved ones to make healthier choices every day to benefit your overall health and well-being.

1. Take Responsibility for Your Health

The first step to becoming healthier and reducing your risks of heart disease is to take full responsibility for your health. Once you have accepted that you are the only person responsible for your health you can begin to make healthier choices each day. Take the time to learn about different health concerns that run in your family which may present particular risks for you, for example diabetes. If you have diabetes or are at risk for it diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease dramatically.

2. Do Not Smoke or Expose Yourself to Second Hand Smoke

As you are probably aware smoking is extremely dangerous, unhealthy and can be very detrimental to your health. This is the same for second hand smoke. If you are currently smoking make a conscious effort to quit and avoid being around those who do. The evidence that smoking leads to not only heart disease, but lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke is extremely overwhelming.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

By making a conscious effort to eat healthy and balanced portions each day you are decreasing your risk of heart disease. High fat diets and diets high in cholesterol increase risks of heart disease and diabetes. As mentioned above diabetes puts people at a much higher risk of heart disease. Be sure to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly if this is a risk for you. Simple, yet effective tips are to stay away from fad diets, incorporate a fruit or vegetable into every meal and snack and to push away from the table when you are full.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly is extremely important as it regulates blood flow throughout the body, strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes fat-loss. It is recommended that adults take 10,000 steps per day and this can easily be achieved by making lifestyle choices such as walking to work, walking on your lunch break and circulating throughout the office during the day. It is recommended that people also participate in 3-4 sessions of physical activity throughout the week, this can be achieved through gym sessions, sports, jogging, etc. Find whatever works for you and make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your weekly routine!

5. Limit Stress

Stress is fun for no one. It is important to recognize stressors in your life and what causes them as they can lead to heart disease and other illnesses. Stress combined with heart disease can lead to heart attack or sudden death. By finding the root of stress you can identify the triggers and take action to diminish anxious feelings. Regular exercise and calming activities such as yoga and meditation can work wonders in reducing stress. Find what works for you and always remember to breath! Your life depends on it.

If you are currently facing heart disease or know of someone who is it may be extremely beneficial to look into an Automated External Defibrillator for the home or office. Click here to learn more.

In conclusion, we hope you found a few simple tips to incorporate into your everyday life and share with your loved ones to help prevent heart disease. Don’t let those close to you become another statistic!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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Simple Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

Elderly Couple

Simple Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

As February has come to an end so has #HeartMonth 2017. Each day of the month we shared a heart healthy fact with you via social media:

If you aren’t following us already we share health tips, safety tips and inspirational news stories on a daily basis.

The First Aid Canada team thought this would be a great time to review simple steps you can take to prevent Heart Disease in your life. Heart Disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada so it is important to take the time to educate yourself on simple changes you can make within your everyday life to limit the chances of diagnosis.

Blood Pressure

If you are unsure where your blood pressure falls or it has been a while since your last test make an appointment with your doctor today. By know your blood pressure you can keep it under control. With a well monitired and controlled blood pressure you can ensure your body is feeling it’s best at all times. 

Exercise Regularly

Are you a regular exerciser? If not, we put together 5 Physical Activity Tips for a Healthy Heart. By exercising regularily you are not only building muscle strength, but you are lowering your blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart and increasing good HDL cholesterol. Increasing good cholesterol means allows for transportation of fat away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing. 

Quit Smoking

Quit smoking if you do. Your heart does not appreciate, nor deserve the chemicals for all of the hard work it does on a daily basis. If you are not a smoker try not to frequent places where you are susceptible to inhaling second hand smoke. Second hand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and 70 of these are known to cause cancer. Make healthier choices on a daily basis and your heart will live happily!

Be Aware of Diabetes

Do you have diabetes? If so, be sure you are monitoring your blood pressure correctly and doing what you can to limit dangerous symptoms. If you do not have diabetes, but experience some of the symptoms such as: extreme fatigue, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet or frequent urination, get tested. By taking control or your health and keeping diseases such as diabetes under control you are preventing Heart Disease.

Know Your Cholesterol Levels

Do you know where your cholesterol levels stand? If not, here is your reminder to make an appointment with your doctor. By knowing where your cholesterol and triglyceride levels lie you can make dietary choices to increase health and reduce chances of Heart Disease. Understanding your biology allows for concious decisions when it comes to eating, making for a much healthier and happier you! 

Eat Healthy

How clean is your diet? Are you eating for a long and vibrant life? What you put into your body fuels it so be sure you are fueling your body and your hard-working heart with foods that will increase your quality of life. If you wish to learn more about foods that benefit your heart you can check out our recent blog: 10 Heart Healthy Foods. In this blog we give 10 reccomendations of foods that your heart will love and simple ways you can incorporate them into your diet. 

Keep Calm

Stress can be a huge trigger for an unhealthy body and an unhealthy heart. Limit your stress by managing your schedule, practicing mindfulness and taking the time to breath in fresh air. If you ever begin to notice your stress or anxiety rising take the time to excuse yourself from your current situation and take a few deep breaths. A little goes a long way when it comes to de-stressing your mind and body!

We hope you enjoyed our tips and thank you for a great #HeartMonth!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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Heart Disease Prevention Tips

Colorful Hearts Promoting Heart Health

Heart Disease Prevention Tips

As we are well into Heart Month 2016 – If you haven’t been following on via social media we have been posting a very interested “Fact of The Day” every day to celebrate #HeartMonth.

In this week’s blog we’ve decided to share a few heart disease prevention tips to encourage you and your loved ones to make healthier choices every day to benefit your overall health and well-being.

Take Responsibility for Your Health

The first step to becoming healthier and reducing your risks of heart disease is to take full responsibility for your health. Once you have accepted that you are the only person responsible for your health you can begin to make healthier choices each day. Take the time to learn about different health concerns that run in your family which may present particular risks for you, for example diabetes. If you have diabetes or are a a risk for it diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease dramatically.

Do not Smoke or Expose Yourself to Second Hand Smoke

As you are probably aware smoking is extremely dangerous, unhealthy and can be very detrimental to your health. This is the same for second hand smoke. If you are currently smoking make a conscious effort to quit and avoid being around those who do. The evidence that smoking leads to not only heart disease, but lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke is extremely overwhelming.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

By making a conscious effort to eat healthy and balanced portions each day you are decreasing your risk of heart disease. High fat diets and diets high in cholesterol increase risks of heart disease and diabetes. As mentioned above diabetes puts people at a much higher risk of heart disease. Be sure to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly if this is a risk for you. Simple, yet effective tips are to stay away from fad diets, incorporate a fruit or vegetable into every meal and snack and to push away from the table when you are full.

Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly is extremely important as it regulates blood flow throughout the body, strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes fat-loss. It is recommended that adults take 10,000 steps per day and this can easily be achieved by making lifestyle choices such as walking to work, walking on your lunch break and circulating throughout the office during the day. It is recommended that people also participate in 3-4 sessions of physical activity throughout the week, this can be achieved through gym sessions, sports, jogging, etc. Find whatever works for you and make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your weekly routine!
 

Limit Stress

Stress is fun for no one. It is important to recognize stressors in your life and what causes them as they can lead to heart disease and other illnesses. Stress combined with heart disease can lead to heart attack or sudden death. By finding the root of stress you can identify the triggers and take action to diminish anxious feelings. Regular exercise and calming activities such as yoga and meditation can work wonders in reducing stress. Find what works for you and always remember to breath! Your life depends on it.

If you are currently facing heart disease or know of someone who is it may be extremely beneficial to look into an Automated External Defibrillator for the home or office. Click here to learn more. Until February 29th, 2016 (the end of #HeartMonth) First Aid Canada is offering a special promotion of $100 off Automated External Defibrillators.
 

In conclusion, we hope you found a few simple tips to incorporate into your everyday life and share with your loved ones to help prevent heart disease. Don’t let those close to you become another statistic!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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February is Heart Month!

Heart Month Blog
 

What is Heart Month?

Heart month happens every February! Heart Month is meant to spread awareness of heart disease and stroke to promote prevention, and at the same time raise money for research on the best treatments when people do get it. 

Who is behind Heart Month?

For over 60 years the Heart and Stroke Foundation has organized Heart Month. It is has become one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Canada in the battle against these two preventable killers. Since its inception, tens of thousands of individuals and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations take part including, various charities, health organizations and companies such as First Aid Canada. 

What can I do to help?

Heart Month brings together tens of thousands of Canadians who volunteer and donate to raise funds to help support life-saving research and the raising of awareness of heart disease and stroke within the community. Learn how you can participate and join the Heart Month Community.

You can also spread awareness about heart health to your friends, family and coworkers by having conversations about the reality and prevention of heart disease. By taking the time to learn more about keeping your heart healthy you can educate and help the people in your life. Here are some simple tips on how to prevent heart disease and heart-related incidences:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Avoiding high cholesterol foods
  • Managing Stress Well 

For the month of February First Aid Canada will be publishing a new fact daily on social channels to help raise awareness of #HeartMonth. Follow the First Aid Canada #HeartMonth campaign on these social platforms:

As a company we challenge you to “share if you care.” Help prevent what is preventable when it comes to heart disease and stroke and learn more about how you can save lives… 

Every year, over 40,000 Canadians suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – that’s one incident every 12 minutes. For every one minute delay in defibrillation, survival rates decrease by up to 10%. Automated External Defibrillators can be safely used by almost anyone and offer the best chance of survival from cardiac arrest. In recognition of Heart Month 2016, First Aid Canada will be offering a 10% discount on all AEDs for the month of February.

For more information, please contact us at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared. 

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Facts to Know This Winter: Heart Attack in Men vs. Women

Older Couple


Facts to Know This Winter: Heart Attack in Men vs. Women

 

Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke (Statistics Canada, 2011c). Unfortunately, it is too often we hear of heart issues occurring in the winter, for example from shoveling snow. It is important to thoroughly understand what occurs inside the body during these incidences to know best practices on how to treat and respond to them.

 

Angina & Heart Disease:

Angina (chest pain) is a strong warning sign of heart disease and if left untreated will eventually lead to a heart attack, stroke and possibly death. Heart Disease is caused by plaque accumulating in the coronary arteries over time. This “plaque” is a combination of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances that block crucial blood flow. Without this blood flow tightness, discomfort and pressure can be felt in the chest when the body is stressed or taking part in physical activity.

 

Difference in Men & Women:

Women differ from men as they more commonly develop heart disease within the smaller arteries that branch out from the coronary arteries; this is referred to as “Microvascular Disease.” Microvascular disease is more commonly found in younger women and causes additional angina symptoms: shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or sharp chest pain.  

Recovery:

Recognizing signs of angina and heart disease is the first step towards recovery. Understanding risk factors, such as a family history, will be advantageous in understanding bodily changes. Seeking treatment is the second step towards recovery, and proves to save lives as 80% of heart disease is preventable.

Take the steps now to improve your personal health. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy balanced diet can do a lot for the heart! 

If you feel as if yourself or someone close to you may be at high risk for heart attack due to genetics or symptoms, consider an Automated External Defibrillator for the home. Click here for more information.

 

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

 

 

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Welcome to Heart Month 2015!

red mittens holding snow heart

Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke. In fact, it is expected that incidences of heart disease and stroke will increase in the upcoming generations due to poor diets (including high sodium intake), increased stress and sedentary work environments.

Heart Disease Facts

  • Nine in 10 Canadians (90%) have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke (smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes)
  • The leading cause of hospitalization in Canada continues to be heart disease and stroke, accounting for 16.9 % of total hospitalizations (19.8% of all hospitalizations for men and 14.0% for women)
  • Today, less than 10% of children meet recommended physical activity guidelines and less than half eat the recommended fruit and vegetables for optimum health
  • Up to 40,000 cardiac arrests (a severe effect of heart disease) occur each year in Canada. That’s one cardiac arrest every 12 minutes

What is Heart Month?

February is heart month. Heart month is meant to spread awareness of heart disease and stroke to promote prevention, and at the same time raise money for research on the best treatments when people do get it.

Who is behind Heart Month?

For over 60 years the Heart and Stroke Foundation has organized Heart Month. It is has become one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Canada in the battle against these two preventable killers. Since its inception, tens of thousands of individuals and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations take part including, various charities, health organizations and companies such as First Aid Canada.

What can I do to help?

Heart Month brings together tens of thousands of Canadians who volunteer and donate to raise funds which will help support life-saving research and the raising of awareness of heart disease and stroke within the community. Learn how you can participate and join the Heart Month Community.

You can also spread awareness about heart health to your friends, family and network by taking the time to learn more about keeping your heart healthy. Heart disease and stroke can be avoided by making healthier choices such as:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Avoiding high cholesterol foods
  • Managing Stress Well

For the month of February First Aid Canada will be publishing a new fact daily on social channels to help raise awareness of #HeartMonth. Follow the First Aid Canada #HeartMonth campaign on these social platforms:

As a company we challenge you to “share if you care.” Help prevent what is preventable when it comes to heart disease and stroke and learn more about how you can save lives…

In recognition of Heart Month 2015, First Aid Canada will be offering a 10% discount on all AEDs. For more information, please contact us at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.