Circulatory emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, angina, and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) can feel sudden, but they usually result from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which develops over time. Many assume these events only affect those over 40, but cardiovascular issues can begin as early as your teens.
FACT:
As of March 2023 - In Canada, almost two in three adults and one in three children and youth are overweight or living with obesity and the rates are even higher.
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Emergencies
There are several well-known methods to reduce your risk of heart-related emergencies, but sticking to the basics—nutrition, weight control, exercise, stress management, and breaking unhealthy habits—can make a huge difference.
1. Weight Control
Excess body fat increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease, and high blood pressure. Losing body fat is not easy and requires a balance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. If you suspect weight is a concern, consult a professional to assess your body fat percentage. Here are some tips:
Portion Control: Starving yourself is ineffective. Instead, focus on eating the right portion sizes—your stomach is about the size of your fist, so aim for meals that match this size.
There is "NOT" a pill for this - Exercise is is key to increasing your metabolic rate, medications like "Ozempic" provide "temporary" weight loss and cannot replace exercise. Many have confirmed that once they have stopped taking weight loss pills, the weight returns.
Exercise: Staying active burns excess calories and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Regular exercise can help you:
Burn body fat
Improve self-esteem
Boost your immune system
Reduce stress
Improve sleep quality
Fight depression
2. Proper Nutrition
Your body is a biological machine, and the fuel you provide determines how efficiently it runs. A balanced diet is crucial to prevent nutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency or diabetes. Refer to the Canadian Food Guide for advice on maintaining a balanced diet. Don't forget to stay hydrated—aim for 8 cups of water daily, especially if you're physically active.
3. Stress Management
Stress is a natural part of life, but it can wreak havoc on your heart. Learn to manage stress effectively to protect your overall health. A helpful phrase to remember is: "A healthy mind leads to a healthy body."
Be Prepared with First Aid Knowledge
You never know when a circulatory emergency might strike. Being prepared with the right first aid training can make all the difference. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack, stroke, or angina quickly and knowing how to respond can save lives.
Just remember:
Protect Yourself!
Call 911!
Don’t Waste Time!
Sign up for a First Aid Course with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. and learn life-saving skills today!
“This information is provided for educational purposes and sourced from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. Always consult a physician or certified safety instructor for medical advice.”
