Heart Health Leadership Manual

Time For A Change

People are becoming increasingly aware of health-related issues. This is no accident. More and more, governments and health care agencies are encouraging us to consider the way we live, and how we can take greater responsibility for our own health.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Canada today. Our Canadian lifestyle contributes a large part to the high incidence of heart disease among us.

Most heart disease can be prevented; positive action in the areas of smoking, nutrition, active living, and controlling high blood pressure can lower our risk for heart disease.

Heart disease is something we have heard more about in the past few years, but heart disease is not new. What is new is our increasing understanding of the risk factors for heart disease.

Research shows us that if we take our health seriously, we can live healthier, happier and longer lives.

If we are to see a significant drop in deaths due to heart disease and stroke, we have to begin to make some changes in the way we live. Years ago our grandfathers led physical lives, working off calories and stress at the same time. Our grandmothers barely had time to sit, let alone worry about their weight. But today, many of us lead less active lives. The indoors has replaced the outdoors as our place of work.

Smoking has become more popular among women in recent years; at the same time, children are beginning to smoke at a younger age with as many girls as boys adopting the habit.

Convenience and fast foods fill the gap when we don't have the time to cook.

These, and many other lifestyle factors, have put us at a higher risk for heart disease.

In this manual you will find practical discussion of the four major risk factors for heart disease: Smoking; High Blood Cholesterol; High Blood Pressure; and Physical Inactivity.

By providing information and encouragement to your community, you can help your family, your friends, and your neighbours, begin to take positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Educating ourselves about the prevention of heart disease is an important first step towards a healthier community.