Don’t Skip a Beat
1) Smoking. This nasty habit increases your risk of blood clots and blocked arteries and reduces the oxygen in your blood, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. More than 37,000 Canadians die from smoking-related diseases each year. Quitting has immediate benefits, with the risk of heart attack going down in mere hours.
2) Lack of exercise. A lack of physical activity also puts you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. It’s never too late to strap on your gym shoes. Becoming active after an attack will reduce your risk of having another.
3) Poor diet. About 56 per cent of Canadians fail to eat the recommended five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
These healthy foods provide you with fibre, antioxidants and nutrients that help protect your heart and blood vessels. In addition, eating too much junk food can lead to high cholesterol and blocked arteries. Reducing your fat and salt intake is important in lowering your risk of heart attack or stroke, and increasing your chance of a longer, healthier life.
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
Have fun while exercising
Zumba is a fitness craze sweeping across the world. This Latin dance- inspired exercise combines hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts and even belly dancing. Move at your own pace, start slow and work your way up to get a groovy workout. It is always safest to check with your physician before trying a new activity.
Source: inspirationsandcelebrations.net
Take a load off
Ease the strain on your back, hips, knees, ankles and feet:
1. Choose the right kinds of fats to lower the risk of arthritis.
2. Put sugar away: add dried fruits to cereals and yogurts.
3. Boost your immune system with fruits and veggies.
4 . Strengthen your body and improve your circulation through walking, swimming, tai chi or cycling.
Source: seniorlivingmag.com
Ask the right questions
More than 100,000 Canadians and one in three stroke survivors live with aphasia. Discussing any symptoms or issues with your doctor will ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms include:
• trouble finding words, reading and writing
• difficulty communicating or understanding
Source: aphasia.ca
