Mr. Speaker, February is designated Heart Month. Every year in Quebec, more than 6,000 people die of heart attacks, and heart disease is the cause of 1,043,582 days of hospitalization.
We must destroy the myth that would have us believe that heart disease only affects older people.
Young people in Quebec and Canada are not physically active enough, and 25% of youth are obese.
Lack of exercise is as significant a risk factor as smoking in the development of heart disease. Other studies indicate that children whose parents are physically active are likely to be active as well.
Let us take advantage of Heart Month to develop healthy habits by taking health walks and by starting sporting activities. Let us get active and play outside with our children.