Tag: heart health

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#NationalHeartMonth: How CPR and AEDs Can Help Save Lives in Ontario

February is #NationalHeartMonth, a time to focus on heart health and raise awareness about the importance of quick action in emergencies. In Ontario, heart disease, stroke, and cardiac arrest are significant health challenges. However, there are simple yet effective ways that ordinary people can help make a life-saving difference.

Cardiac Arrest in Ontario: The Need for Swift Action

Each year, more than 8,000 Ontarians suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These life-threatening emergencies happen suddenly, and survival chances decrease dramatically—by as much as 7-10% per minute—without immediate intervention. This is where knowing what to do in the first few moments can be crucial.

Why CPR and AEDs Matter

When someone’s heart stops, every second counts. Performing CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, buying time until help arrives. However, CPR alone may not be enough. That’s where AEDs come in. These devices analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Simple to use and widely available, AEDs are designed to be user-friendly for anyone, not just medical professionals.

Taking Action: How You Can Help

  1. Learn CPR: CPR training is accessible and can equip you with the knowledge to act confidently during a cardiac emergency. While many people in Ontario may feel unsure in these situations, being trained in CPR increases survival rates and allows you to help while emergency services are on their way.

  2. Familiarize Yourself with AEDs: AEDs are increasingly found in public spaces such as gyms, schools, and airports. They’re designed to be intuitive, with clear step-by-step instructions for use. Knowing how to operate one, even without prior experience, could make the difference between life and death.

  3. Encourage Awareness in Your Community: Public awareness about the importance of CPR and AEDs is still growing. Spreading the message in your workplace, local community groups, or family can ensure that more people are prepared to help in critical moments.

The Impact of Early Intervention

When it comes to cardiac emergencies, time is of the essence. In Ontario, where over 8,000 cardiac arrests occur each year, a quick response is essential. Research shows that performing CPR and using an AED within the first few minutes can dramatically improve survival rates. Even though many public spaces are equipped with AEDs, too few people are familiar with their use or confident in performing CPR.

This #NationalHeartMonth, take a moment to reflect on the role you could play in improving heart health outcomes. CPR and AED training are simple but powerful tools that can make all the difference when it counts the most.

Conclusion

This #NationalHeartMonth, let’s think beyond our own heart health and consider how we can be part of the solution when it comes to emergencies. By learning CPR and understanding how to use AEDs, you can contribute to saving lives in your community. In Ontario, where thousands of cardiac arrests occur annually, the ability to respond quickly can change the outcome. It’s a small step that can have a huge impact.

Equip yourself with the knowledge to act. It could save a life.

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Essential Safety Tips: What to Do When a Fire Breaks Out in Your Home

As wildfires continue to ravage California, the relentless flames are not only consuming thousands of acres of land but also leaving a lasting impact on communities, wildlife, and the environment—underscoring the urgent need for action in the face of a growing crisis. While safety is your top priority, we also understand that during a fire, there’s a natural instinct to gather personal items and cherished belongings—things that carry sentimental value. But in the rush of those crucial moments, how can you stay calm and make the best decisions? This guide offers insight into how to protect yourself, your family, and your memories when a fire strikes.

1. Get Out, Stay Out

First and foremost, your life and the lives of your loved ones are what matter most. If a fire breaks out in your home, evacuate immediately—do not hesitate. Never risk your safety to save possessions. Fires are unpredictable, and every second counts. Once you’re outside and at a safe distance, call 911 and wait for help to arrive.

2. Gather Only What You Can Safely Carry

It’s easy to feel the urge to gather important documents, family photos, or treasured keepsakes, especially if they hold emotional value. However, time is precious when every second counts. If you have just moments before evacuation, prioritize grabbing:

  • Your wallet, ID, and insurance information
  • Prescriptions or necessary medications
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Pet supplies (if you have pets)
  • Small, irreplaceable items (like family photos, heirlooms, or keepsakes)—but only if you can grab them quickly and safely

While it’s heartbreaking to leave behind personal items, your life is irreplaceable. If you have time and the fire isn’t spreading rapidly, try to gather what you can. But never put yourself in harm’s way trying to save physical possessions. Everything else can be replaced.

3. First Aid Kit Essentials

During the chaos of a fire, it’s easy to forget about the importance of medical care—whether for burns, smoke inhalation, or minor injuries. A well-stocked first aid kit can make a life-saving difference. Ensure your kit includes:

  • Burn cream or gel for minor burns
  • Sterile gauze and bandages for cuts or abrasions
  • Adhesive tape and antiseptic wipes
  • Pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Tweezers for removing debris

In addition to these basics, consider including burn dressings and a fire blanket for more serious injuries.

4. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for Cardiac Arrest

In the intense moments following a fire, the shock of an emergency can cause cardiac arrest. Having an AED in your home gives you the ability to potentially save someone’s life in those critical moments. If someone experiences severe smoke inhalation or trauma, it could lead to arrhythmias or heart failure. Knowing how to use an AED, especially in the event of an emergency, can help restore heart rhythm until medical professionals arrive.

5. Smoke Inhalation and Respiratory Care

Smoke inhalation can cause serious health issues, ranging from coughing to life-threatening respiratory failure. If you or anyone in your household is exposed to smoke, get to fresh air immediately. Use your first aid kit to help with breathing, and be prepared to assist with basic airway management if needed. If the person’s condition worsens, call 911 and request emergency medical help.

6. Stay Calm, Stay Prepared

Preparation is the key to reducing panic and increasing your chances of staying safe. Ensure your home is equipped with:

  • Working smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers in key locations
  • A fire escape plan that every family member knows
  • An easily accessible first aid kit, fire blanket, and AED

Every item in your emergency kit and safety plan plays a role in protecting lives, and remembering what to do in those moments of crisis can help you stay focused. Even if you have time to gather personal items, don’t lose sight of your safety.

Cherish What You Can, but Always Choose Life

In the face of a fire, it’s natural to want to protect your cherished memories. While it’s understandable to want to grab keepsakes, documents, or valuables, remember: your life and the lives of your loved ones are irreplaceable. Prioritize safety, evacuate immediately, and leave possessions behind if necessary. And with the right first aid supplies, AEDs, and fire safety tools, you can take swift action to care for yourself and those around you in the aftermath.

When disaster strikes, your home may be damaged or destroyed, but your family’s safety and the memories you’ve made together are what truly matter. Be prepared, stay calm, and remember: safety first.

Stay safe, and take care of those you love.

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Celebrating National Heart Month in Canada

February in Canada is not just about winter chill; it’s also the month dedicated to matters of the heart – both metaphorically and literally. National Heart Month is an annual observance that puts the spotlight on cardiovascular health, encouraging Canadians to prioritize heart well-being through awareness, education, and proactive measures.

The Significance of National Heart Month

This month-long initiative serves as a timely reminder for Canadians to pay attention to their heart health. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, making it crucial to dedicate focused efforts to prevention, early detection, and lifestyle adjustments.

Key Themes

1. Education and Awareness:

National Heart Month emphasizes the dissemination of information regarding heart health. From understanding risk factors to recognizing symptoms, educational campaigns aim to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make heart-healthy choices. National Heart Month encourages individuals to schedule appointments for blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and other relevant tests to identify and address potential concerns early on.

2. Lifestyle Modifications:

Heart-healthy living involves adopting positive lifestyle changes. Canadians are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and manage stress effectively. These small but impactful adjustments contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.

3. Protection:

An AED is a vital tool in preventing heart-related emergencies. Swift and accessible, it delivers crucial electric shocks during sudden cardiac arrests, substantially increasing survival chances. Integrating AEDs into public spaces and workplaces empowers individuals to act as effective first responders, making them instrumental in the prevention and management of heart health emergencies. For rural areas, where an ambulance can take much longer to arrive, investing in an AED can provide time sensitive care when a sudden cardiac emergency occurs. 

4. Community Engagement:

Communities across Canada come together during National Heart Month to organize events and activities promoting heart health. From group fitness classes to educational seminars, these initiatives foster a sense of collective responsibility towards cardiovascular well-being.

5. Heart-Healthy Recipes and Nutrition:

Nutrition is a cornerstone of heart health. National Heart Month provides an opportunity to share heart-healthy recipes and nutritional tips, encouraging Canadians to make mindful choices in their daily diets.

Conclusion

As we navigate through National Heart Month in Canada, let’s prioritize the well-being of our hearts. By fostering awareness, embracing heart-healthy lifestyles, investing in an AED, and participating in community initiatives, we can collectively reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Small changes can lead to significant improvements, ensuring that our hearts beat stronger and healthier for years to come. Here’s to a month of nurturing our hearts and embracing a lifetime of cardiovascular well-being.

Happy #HeartMonth

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Winter and Your Heart: Navigating Cardiovascular Risks

Winter brings more than just frosty temperatures; it may also impact our cardiovascular health. Let’s explore the connection between cold weather and heart concerns, along with practical steps to safeguard your well-being.

The Cold Snap and Cardiovascular Risk:

Studies suggest that exposure to cold weather can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to increased blood pressure, blood clot formation, and a higher heart rate.

Protecting Your Heart in Winter

1. Bundle Up:
Dress warmly to reduce the body’s stress response. Layer clothing and cover extremities to maintain body heat.

2. Stay Active:
Opt for indoor exercises to counteract the sedentary effects of winter. Regular physical activity contributes to better cardiovascular health.

3. Regular Health Check-ups:
Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should prioritize routine health check-ups during winter to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.

BONUS

4. Emergency Preparedness 

Invest in your health and protect your heart in the event of an emergency with an AED suitable for your home. In the event of a cardiovascular emergency, especially during the winter months when driving conditions are poor, early access to defibrillation (1 to 3 minutes after cardiac arrest) is vital and may increase the chance of survival by 75% or more.

Shop AEDs (Defibrillators)

Understanding the link between cold weather and cardiovascular health is crucial during winter. By dressing appropriately, staying active indoors, and monitoring your heart health, you can navigate the season while prioritizing your well-being. Stay warm, stay active, and keep your heart healthy this winter.

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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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It’s Officially #HeartMonth 2018!

Hand holding heart

It’s Officially #HeartMonth 2018!

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 FREE SHIPPING on all orders containing AEDs for the month of February.

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

Life is Precious. Be Prepared. 

Sitting at desk with cellphone

How to Save Lives in Your Workplace

Office safety is crucial in any workplace. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read up on the Provincial Safety Requirements for your province on our blog you should definitely do so by clicking here or finding your province below:

Along with an adequate first aid kit is important to have an Automated External Defibrillator onsite in the office. Cardiac arrest can occur at any age and it has even been recorded that the most common time for people to fall victim of a heart attack is Monday mornings… We can’t think of anyone who wants a side of heart attack with their double Americano.

When an AED and CPR are immediately available, the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest is substantially improved. Philips Heart Start AED’s are especially easy to operate as there easy to read graphics and voice instructions. It is lso highly reccomended that wherever an AED is located in a public space that it is visibly marked with a sign and all employees are aware of it’s locatio

For offices, First Aid Canada highly recommends the Philips Onsite Automated External Defibrillator. For a more visual demonstration, please take a look at the video below:

For additional AEDs available from First Aid Canada and how they work please check out the links below:

Save life in the workplace! If you have any questions please feel free to contact the First Aid Canada team at 1-855-322-4243.

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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5 Physical Activity Tips for a Healthy Heart

Couple running

5 Physical Activity Tips for a Healthy Heart

We know exercise is good for us, but if it is not something we have already built into our routines in can be difficult to get started.

The First Aid Canada team has put together some simple tips on jumpstarting your physical activity to get your heart pumping. It is important to show our hard-working heart some TLC for all that is does for us on a subconscious, daily basis.

Take the Stairs 

This first tip on our list is to always take the stairs. Whether it be at your office, in the metro station or at the mall, whenever possible strive to take the stairs. Implementing this simple change into your life will not only get your blood pumping, but it will also keep your mind fitness-conscious. Do not stress If the stairs seem difficult at first. After time you will notice your body has begun to adapt aerobically and you can take the stairs effortlessly.

Walk to Work

Walking to work can be a great way to get your blood flowing in the morning and your brain clear and alert for the day. If walking to work is not possible for you and where you are living, attempt a walk early in the morning, even if it be to drink your coffee as you stroll around the block. A little can go a long way when you are consistent.

Join a Fitness Class

Is there an activity you have been meaning to try? Maybe it is Zumba or water aerobics? Take the time today to drop in or sign up for a class. Jogging groups can also be a fun and motivating activity to partake in outside. In addition to getting your heart rate up, fitness classes and groups are a great way to be social and build new relationships!

Fitness Video

If you have responsibilities at home or just prefer working out on your own, fitness videos are a great way to stay active. There are a ton of amazing fitness routines available for free from your computer. Below we have linked a full body workout you can easily do in the comfort of your own home as it requires no equipment:

 

Stretching 

Stretching can do wonders for your body! Each morning taking a few minutes to stretch out your body. This gets your blood flowing and your mind alert. In the evening stretching can help to decompress after a busy day and relax your mind for a good night’s sleep. Below we have linked a bedtime yoga routine to get you started:

Be sure to fuel your body with nutritious food daily to keep your body healthy. In last week’s blog we covered 10 Heart Healthy Foods and gave tips on how to incorporate them into each day. To check out that blog post, click here.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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10 Heart Healthy Foods

 Chopping cherry tomatoes

Happy #HeartMonth!

Every year February is celebrated as Heart Month. If you are currently not following us on social media be sure to do so for daily heart health tips:

Twitter

Facebook

Google+

In the spirit of Heart Month we have decided to give you a list of 10 heart healthy foods which you should be incorporating into your diet weekly. These foods are all natural and plant-based to ensure no processed or artificial ingredients.

Avocados

Did you know avocados are the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat? This is a deliciously good fat which can help to lower cholesterol in a balanced diet. Consider chopping an avocado up for a salad, tossing it in a smoothie or making some delicious guacamole.

 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are the richest sources of a plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the world! These are easy to add to any meal and will do wonders for your body’s cholesterol. Toss them into a smoothie, bowl of cereal or enjoy flaxseed bread for breakfast to ensure you’re starting your day with a happy and healthy heart.

Oatmeal

A warm bowl of cooked oatmeal is the perfect way to start off your day as oats lower cholesterol. If you are trying to prevent or are currently dealing with heart disease or diabetes, then oats and oat bran are highly recommended as they contain beta-glucan fiber. 

Nuts

Nuts are a great snack, a contribution to a bowl of cereal or even a stir-fry. Nuts are high in protein to keep you satisfied and also contain unsaturated fatty acids which can help reduce cholesterol in a balanced diet.

Berries

You already knew berries were a super food, but did you know why? In addition to containing antioxidants berries contain properties known to increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. They’re also berry-delicious!

Tomatoes

The riper, the better. Delicious red tomatoes provide lycopene, vitamin C and alpha- and beta-carotene. Be sure to cut some up for your next sandwich or salad and your heart will thank you!

Chickpeas

Chickpeas and other legumes are amazing sources of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus which can be great to dip vegetables in or spread on a wrap. Try to incorporate legumes into your diet weekly to increase your heart health!

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFA s are considered a healthy dietary fat. Replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, such as MUFA s and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and you will have a happy heart, in other words: Swap out the butter for olive oil!

Red Grapes

Red grapes are known to reduce the risk of blood clots, bad cholesterol and prevent damage to blood vessels in your heart. Help your heart maintain a healthy blood pressure by including red grapes into your diet.

Dark Chocolate 

… We know you’re happy to see this one on the list! Cacao is rich in flavanols, which can help lower your blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Dark chocolate (70% or more) also acts as an antioxidant, which can keep unwanted cholesterol from sticking to your artery walls. 

We hope we inspired you to give your heart a little TLC this week and include some heart-healthy foods into your diet!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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5 Ways to be Prepared in 2017

Doctor's hands holding heart

5 Ways to be Prepared in 2017

Happy New Year! The First Aid Canada team would like to start off by wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy new year! Below are 5 tips on being prepared for the new year in regards to safety and well-being:

1. First Aid Kit for the Home

A quality First Aid Kit for the home stocked with the supplies needed to treat minor scrapes, cuts and bruises to accidents a little more painful such as burns; can mean the difference between treating an injury at home and a hospital visit. First Aid Canada is pleased to offer two different sizes of First Aid Kits for the home:

2. Certification in First Aid & CPR

Would you know how to save a life in an emergency situation? Whether this be properly treating an injury before paramedics arrive or delivering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if you feel you would have no clue to do, put taking a First Aid and/or CPR course on your New Year’s Resolution list. It could mean the difference between life and death!

3. Vehicle/Emergency First Aid Kit

With the beautiful landscapes and winding roads of Canada it is all too common we hear about car accidents and car failures. Prepare yourself for 2017 by obtaining a Vehicle Emergency Kit. These kits come in four different sizes (listed below) and are stocked full of supplies to aid your family or someone else on the road during an emergency. Click on each kit to find out more about the contents. 

 4. Being Aware of Safety Supplies Around You

Where do you spend the most time outside of your home? Is it at the workplace? At the community centre? At school? Take a conscious look around at the safety preparedness of each location. Do they have a fully stocked First Aid Kit – And if they do, do you know where it is located? It is also crucial for public spaces to have an Automated External Defibrillator Onsite for emergencies. If you are unfamiliar with what an AED is or how it works, click here. Be sure to familiarize yourself to the safety resources in the spaces around you in case of an emergency.

5. Stay Fit and Healthy

Lastly, stay fit and stay healthy. It is all too common we hear of this being on the top of everyone’s resolution list and slowly, but surely it slides off of the radar. Make a conscious effort to optimize your health and fitness to prevent disease. Unfortunately, Heart Disease is among the top killers of Canadians and can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Use Facts such as this for motivation to be the best you in 2017! Your body is the only one you have so get out for a walk each day and fuel your body with colourful and nutritious foods.

Happy New Year!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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4 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator

Heart and Stethoscope

4 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator 

With Automated External Defibrillators being a high priced item, yet essential for saving lives in heart-related emergencies it can be contemplative determining how and when to make the purchase.

Defibrillator stories are continuously in the news and we are avid readers, Like us on Facebook for daily news stories related to lives saved by defibrillators and stories of how other people are fundraising for the cause worldwide.

Luckily, the First Aid Canada team has put together a few ideas to help kick-start your fundraising campaign for a defibrillator:

Community Bottle Drive

Community bottle drives are a great way for an organization to fundraise, especially during the summer months when the weather is favourable and people are collecting recyclables from weekend trips, barbecues and backyard shenanigans. By creating an event for your sports time or association you can draw attention before the collection by posting about it on social media and relaying to friends and family.

Creating a Calendar

We’ve seen some pretty creative calendar ideas in the news! From firefighters stripping down to volleyball players striking their best pose, creating calendars is a great way to raise money. Producing a calendar is relatively inexpensive and print shops may even be open to donating their services for free. Whether it be for work, a sports team, a community centre, selling an exclusive calendar is a great way to bring in a lot of cash!

Collect Donations

Collecting donations is another great way to raise money for a defibrillator. There are many cases of organizations and associations doing this worldwide. From boy scouts to lawn bowling teams going door-to-door and approaching friends and family with your story can help raise attention and funds to a worthy cause.

Fun Challenges

Lastly, fun challenges such as polar bear swims are a great way to collect pledges for defibrillators. By asking friends, families and your community for fundraising pledges to reach a goal to participate in a challenge, you are not only raising funds for the cause, but creating awareness around defibrillators and heart health!

We love to hear from you! If you or anyone in your community have fundraised for a defibrillator or are currently doing so let us know. For more information on defibrillators you can click here or contact us between the hours of 9-5 (EST) at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.