Health and Community Services
February 5, 2013

Healthy Living Strengthens Hearts, Families and Communities

Heart Month Promotes Importance of Healthy and Active Living

February is Heart Month and an important opportunity to highlight the critical role healthy living plays in the prevention and management of all chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke. To officially proclaim Heart Month in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by representatives from the Heart and Stroke Foundation today for the proclamation signing.

“Heart Month serves as a platform to create greater awareness about the importance of eating a healthy diet low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables, being physically active, living smoke free and managing stress. Our government is committed to working with our valued partners to collectively promote the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle for the prevention and maintenance of chronic disease. I encourage all residents to take an active role in their health and well-being not just during Heart Month, but all year round.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The focus of Heart Month is to create awareness of the two major risk factors of heart disease and stroke, which are hypertension and tobacco use. The Provincial Government works with community groups as well as other provinces and territories to identify ways for residents to lower sodium intake, and has implemented legislation to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke.

“Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the number one risk factor for stroke. During Heart Month, the Heart and Stroke Foundation are offering many events throughout the province with a focus on bringing greater attention to the value of living healthier lifestyles.”
- Mary Ann Butt, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador

For a complete listing of local events, coordinated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation for Heart Month, visit www.facebook.com/Heartontherock . 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• February is Heart Month and an important opportunity to highlight the critical role healthy living plays in the prevention and management of all chronic disease, including heart disease and stroke.
• The Provincial Government has taken several steps to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke in the last number of years. This includes legislation restricting how tobacco products can be displayed, stored and promoted; prohibiting smoking in motor vehicles while persons under the age of 16 are present; and, banning designated smoking rooms in workplaces.
• The Provincial Government has partnered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for many years and has contributed over $349,000 to the foundation’s initiatives since 2009. Part of this investment includes annual funding of $70,000 to further the work of several initiatives, including the Provincial Integrated Stroke Strategy.
• The Provincial Government provides $210,000 in annual funding to the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) to support its smoking cessation programs, and $225,000 in annual funding to the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association to support the operation of the provincial Smokers’ Helpline.

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2014 02 05             12:05 p.m.