02/12/2026
February is Heart Awareness Month ❤️
Did you know that cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada — yet most cases are largely preventable?
The good news? Small, consistent habits make a massive difference.
Here are the most important things you can do to protect your heart:
🫀 Know Your Numbers
Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and waist circumference. High blood pressure often has no symptoms — don’t guess, measure.
🥗 Eat for Your Arteries
Focus on vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish), and limit processed foods, excess salt, and added sugar.
🚶♀️ Move Daily
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Walking counts. Strength training counts. Consistency matters more than perfection.
🚭 Stop Smoking (or Don’t Start)
Smoking remains one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
😴 Sleep & Stress Matter
Poor sleep and chronic stress raise blood pressure and inflammation. Prioritize rest and protect your peace.
⚖️ Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can significantly improve blood pressure and metabolic markers.
💊 Take Prescribed Medications Properly
If you’ve been prescribed medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes — take it consistently. Prevention works.
An educated patient is a safer, healthier patient. For evidence-based information you can trust, visit:
🔗 https://www.heartandstroke.ca
At Valley Healthcare, we’re here to help you understand your risk and create a plan that works for your life — not against it.
Your heart works for you 24/7. Take care of it. 💙