Heart Month 2018 – What You Need to Know
Another year, another Heart Month! Every February the world comes together to celebrate the heart. Our hearts are an important organ, and without it we would truly be lost. It is for this reason that everyone comes together for an entire month to share heart-healthy tips, fundraise, share recipes, bring awareness to heart disease, and to show some L-O-V-E! So, what do you need to know for this year’s celebration of Heart Month 2018?
What is Heart Month?
As stated by the Government of Canada website, “Heart disease affects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults, and is the second leading cause of death in Canada.” It is something that can happen to anyone – any age and any gender, making it all the more important to create awareness. Heart Month takes place over the entire month of February, where the world comes together to bring awareness to heart health. The goal of this campaign is to inform people of how to protect their hearts, and the actions they can take to prevent heart disease. The month is filled with activities, social media engagements, programs, and presentations. The more people that participate in reducing their likelihood for heart disease, the healthier we will be as a society!
Are There Heart Month Events in Canada?
Most of the Heart Month activities can be done online through engagements, however there are events you can attend as well! Take a look at these events taking place this month across Canada.
Canada-Wide Heart Month Initiative
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada always has full participation throughout the month. Through raising funds, bringing awareness, and sharing heart tips, they make it all about our blood pumper! Currently, the Heart and Stroke Foundation are looking for Canvassers who will go around the neighbourhood and share important health information and collect donations! Be a part of the Heart community and raise funds for a wonderful cause!
Heart Month in Ottawa
Join the University of Ottawa by selling their paper hearts and displaying them. All funds of these hearts will support the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. As well, the University is hosting a ‘Heart2Hearts’ challenge that you can participate in online. Pick a heart-healthy challenge (eating more vegetables, moving every 30 minutes, or being mindful three times a week) and raise funds while becoming heart-healthy!
Pigeon Lake’s Heart Month for Foodies
One of the ways we can help our hearts is by being conscious of what we put into our bodies! Join The Oliv Tasting Room at ‘Yoga at the Lake Studio’ in Pigeon Lake for a ultimate Olive Oil Experience. The event will review the types of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, their health benefits, and how to taste them!
Heart Month in Edmonton
The Heart and Stroke Foundation are passionate about bringing awareness to heart health and fighting heart disease and stroke. On February 14th in Edmonton, join the Heart and Stroke Foundation at The Canadian Native Friendship Centre for their ‘Protect Your Health’ Presentation! This presentation will focus on indigenous health and work to bring awareness and attention to the health of those indigenous people in Canada.
A Heart Month that Saves Lives in Calgary
First Edition First Aid Training has a number of CPR and AED courses available during the month of February. Whether you are in a group or signing up as an individual (we applaud you) you can make a huge difference this Heart Month. Learn how to save a life through First Aid Training by registering for a course at First Edition First Aid Training Inc. and increase the number of certified citizens on the streets – making Calgary a safer place to live.
How Else Can You Get Involved?
Want to show your support of Heart Month in other ways? Take a look at how you can participate in this month-long event!
- Share your heart-health tips, statistics, and recipes on your social media pages
- Use the hashtag #HeartMonth2018
- Join ‘National Wear Red Day’ (established by the American Heart Association) on February 2nd
- Donate to heart-research organizations (Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada, etc.)
- Head to the Heart and Stroke Foundation website for more sharable tips and images!
- Purchase an AED for your home and RV
- When an AED is nearby, it more than doubles the chances of survival! Get an AED to keep wherever you work/live/go and you may just be able to help a heart!
- Join the First Edition #FindAnAED movement!
- Whenever you come across an AED, take a picture of yourself with the AED and post it onto social media. Tag us (@FirstEditionAED) and use the hashtag #AEDFound to bring awareness to AED locations around the world!
This month, begin to protect your heart! Now is as good a time as any to start making healthy choices for your heart – it is the only one you’ve got! May your February be filled with lots of love!
Sources:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2017/02/heart_month.html
