Celebrating National Heart Month in Canada

Deborah FarlowBlog, First Aid, Giving Back, Health, News

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 …

3 Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Sky MattixBlog, Health

3 Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest Cardiac Arrest can happen at any age and at any time. Although these incidences can be extremely hard to predict there are three red flags or warning signs, which could save your life. 1. Dizzy Spells Having dizzy spells or passing out during exercise can be a telltale sign of a heart condition. Dizziness can be a sign that your heart’s rhythm isn’t functioning regularly which may cause you to collapse. Luckily if you collapse with enough consciousness to wake up this is most likely a sign your heart was strong enough to regain …

February is Heart Month

Sky MattixBlog, 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. …

Stroke Awareness: Signs & Symptoms

Sky MattixBlog, Health

Stroke Awareness: Signs & Symptoms A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. There are two main types of stroke, this includes an ischemic stroke, caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain or a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain. Brain damage can occur from stroke because neurons of the affected area of the brain can die when they are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. When facing a stroke every second counts. By recognizing symptoms and acquiring treatment you can save yourself from brain damage. By knowing and understanding these symptoms one …

How to BEAT the Summer HEAT!

Sky MattixBlog, Health

How to BEAT the Summer HEAT! Sunshine brings the best out of Summer – boating, picnics, hiking, swimming, etc. There is no shortage of outdoor activities when you are Canadian and the weather is in your favour. However; the sun can also be a very dangerous with its powerful UV rays and intense heat. Spending time outdoors in the sun means being prepared whether this is sunscreen, hats and shade or keeping hydrated with water. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind this Summer. UV Protection It is important to note that even when the sun may …

5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

Sky MattixBlog, Health

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! Twitter Facebook Google+ 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 …

Summer Heat and Sun Safety

Sky MattixBlog, Health

Songs to Save Lives Did you know one of your all-time favourite songs could help you save a life one day? Or even save your life one day? Cardiac arrest can happen at any time, any age or any place, which is why it is important to be as prepared as possible. If there is no defibrillator or emergency personnel around, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. CPR could potentially save lives as taking immediate life-saving action can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. If you wish to learn more about CPR you can check out any of our …

8 Health Tips for Employees at Work

Sky MattixBlog, Health

8 Health Tips for Employees at Work We know life can seem overwhelming at times and staying healthy at work can be a lot more difficult than it sounds so we’ve decided to share 8 tips to help you create healthier habits to make you an overall healthier person at work. Prepare a Healthy Lunch Meal prep can be a fun experience and also very beneficial for your body and your bank account. By preparing and packing a healthy lunch you are setting yourself up for a successful work day. Choose to pack and prepare filling, whole foods such as …

5 Simple Tips for Stress-Free Living

Sky MattixBlog, Health

5 Simple Tips for Stress-Free Living Stress can certainly put a number on your precious heart and your overall health. The First Aid Canada Team has put together 5 simple tips to inspire you to diminish stressors in your life to live happier and healthier.  Plan Your Week Often times we begin to feel stress come on when we find ourselves overwhelmed by our schedule. By having a planner whether it be digital or a book to document daily activities and/or appointments you can limit unexpected overlaps in comittments. Be sure to schedule yourself pockets of extra time and free …

Simple Steps to Prevent Heart Disease

Sky MattixBlog, Health

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: Twitter Facebook Google+ 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 …

5 Physical Activity Tips for a Healthy Heart

Sky MattixBlog, Health

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 …

10 Heart Healthy Foods

Sky MattixBlog, Health

  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 …