Welcome to Heart Month 2015!

tempfirstaidBlog, News

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.Â