February is Heart Month

tempfirstaidBlog, Health

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. …

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

tempfirstaidBlog, Health

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 …