February is Heart Month
Between 1994 and 2005, rates of high blood pressure among Canadians young and old increased by 77%. During the same period,
diabetes increased by 45% and obesity by 18%. Moreover, more than 50% of the Canadians are at unhealthy weight. These are
all major risk factors for heart disease.
Worst of all, children and young people are now showing these symptoms, once nearly exclusive to adults and older members
of Canadian society.
These recent statistics are a call for action to address the nation’s health.
During the month of February, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is holding its annual campaign. Community events will highlight
the need for life-saving research and awareness programs across Canada.
Through the generosity and compassion of volunteers the Heart and Stroke Foundation is able to:
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Improve earlier
diagnosis and breakthroughs in treatment and recovery.
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Help Canadians reduce their high blood pressure, high blood
cholesterol, and other risk factors that affect heart health.
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Improve the quality of life of people living with the effects of heart disease and stroke
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Identify those at high risk of developing heart problems or having a stroke
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Educate and empower Canadians in making healthy lifestyle choices.
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Lower medical and health care costs
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Retain and attract the world’s best scientists.
For more information on how you can get involved, as well as tips for active, healthy living, please see:
Heart and Stroke Foundation: www.heartandstroke.ca
AboutKidsHealth: Canadian paediatricians encouraged to promote active, healthy living for all children
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 1 to 7)
By the age of 18 years, 80% of women have dieted and up to 15% have many of the symptoms associated with an eating disorder.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week is an annual co-operative effort by groups across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Australasia.
Its aim is to educate the public on the relations between dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorders.
Events hope to increase awareness of the social factors that might lead people, particularly women, to develop a pre-occupation
with weight and body shape, putting themselves at risk for an eating disorder.
This year's theme is ‘Celebrating our Natural Sizes’, an effort at getting people to feel good about their natural genetically
influenced size and shape. People can be encouraged to eat right and exercise to be healthy and perhaps change their body
shape and size. However, there is nothing anyone can do about his or her genetics. Except accept them. Developing a positive
body image will help people improve their self-esteem and be fully engaged in their lives.
There is no known cause for eating disorders. Research supports biological, social, and psychological factors in the creation
and maintenance of an eating disorder.
Warning signs
Eating disorders can be difficult to detect. For example, those suffering from bulimia can have a normal weight. But the activities
they are engaging in can be deadly. Here are some warning signs:
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low self-esteem
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social withdrawal
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claims of feeling fat when weight is normal or low
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preoccupation with food, weight, counting calories, and with what people think
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denial that there is a problem
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wanting to be perfect
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intolerance of others
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inability to concentrate
A multi-disciplinary approach is the most effective treatment for eating disorders. This involves a thorough medical assessment,
nutritional guidance, support, and medical follow-up. Patients may also get individual, group, and family therapy.
For more information about eating disorders, please go to:
National Eating Disorders Information Centre: www.nedic.ca
AboutKidsHealth: Ask Dr. Pat: How can I tell if my daughter has an eating disorder?
AboutKidsHealth: Promoting positive body image in our kids
Sexual and Reproductive Health Day (February 12)
Annually on February 12, the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health celebrates Sexual and Reproductive Health Day. The event
promotes awareness of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues amongst Canadians.
This year, the eighth annual SRH Day focuses on the prevention and treatment of chlamydia, Canada’s most prevalent sexually
transmitted infection.
Thousands of Canadians are infected with chlamydia and show no symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can have serious consequences.
This means that early detection and treatment are important. People can be tested for chlamydia with a simple urine or saw
test, and effectively treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia and many other sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by
practicing safer sex including using a condom.
In addition to prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, the event encourages Canadians to consider the importance
of improving and maintaining their sexual and reproductive health. Canadians are also encouraged to talk about healthy decision-making
with their friends and families.
This includes encouraging everyone to:
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talk, listen, and learn about all things related to sexuality
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take action to take care of their own sexual and reproductive health
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organize or participate in fun, community-based events and anything else that captures the sex-positive spirit of the day
For more information, please visit:
Canadian Federation for Sexual Health: www.cfsh.ca
AboutKidsHealth: Dr. Pat: When should I start teaching my child about sex?
AboutKidsHealth: Talking about sex with your children
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