Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month in Canada, a time to make Canadians aware of the things they can do to manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, following a healthy diet and being active.
Heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in Canada, costs the Canadian economy over $18 billion annually, more than any other disease.
Today, representatives from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses and the Ottawa Heart Institute are providing the “Heart Health Clinic” on the Hill, providing parliamentarians and staff with cholesterol and blood pressure testing, to help us assess our risk for heart disease and stroke. I encourage all members to drop by the clinic before 4 p.m. in the Wellington Building.
We need to do our part in our ridings by informing our constituents about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.