Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
February 3, 2016

Supporting Healthy Hearts

February is Heart Month in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government has proclaimed February as Heart Month, a time to focus on education, awareness and prevention of heart and stroke.

�Heart Month is an opportunity for us to encourage each other to adopt healthy lifestyles and take preventative measures to protect our heart health. In partnering with community groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, we are working together to manage chronic heart disease and to reduce the risks of developing it in the first place.�
- The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services

Examples of some of the Provincial Government programs that support heart health and wellness include:

• The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program;
• The Community Healthy Living Fund;
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Smoking Cessation Program for Individuals with Low Income;
• Operational support for the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco, the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association�s Provincial Smokers� Helpline and the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart and Stroke Foundation; and
• Support for community partners such as Eat Great and Participate, Food First NL and Kids Eat Smart.

�Our government is committed to the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the support of programs which encourage healthy eating, increased physical activity and living smoke-free � all of which reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Heart Month provides us all with an opportunity to examine our own lifestyles, and to make a conscious effort to make choices that benefit ourselves, our families and our communities.�
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador supports research and health promotion programs designed to prevent heart disease and stroke and to develop better treatments.

�A family history of heart disease and stroke can double an individual�s personal risk. As we fund life-saving research to create more survivors of inherited risks, we want to remind people to talk to their doctors, examine their lifestyle choices, and see if they can take steps towards healthier, active lives.�
- Mary Ann Butt, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information on Heart Month and about preventing heart disease and stroke, visit: www.heartandstroke.nf.ca/

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has joined with the Newfoundland Heart and Stroke Foundation to proclaim February as Heart Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Heart Month is a time to focus on education, awareness and prevention of heart disease and stroke.
• The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador supports research and health promotion programs designed to prevent heart disease and stroke and to develop better treatments.
• For more information about Heart Month, visit: www.heartandstroke.nf.ca/ .

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2016 02 03                             10:10 a.m.