Mr. Speaker, today is World Heart Day, a day to raise awareness of the impact that heart disease has on Canadians and all people around the world.
According to the World Heart Federation, over 17.3 million people die globally each year from cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke. Up to 80% of these diseases are preventable through healthy eating, physical activity, not smoking, and decreasing blood pressure levels.
This fall the Minister of Health participated in the United Nations summit on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. She stated there that “promoting good health is everyone's business”.
I congratulate the Minister of Health for her recent announcement about Canada's tougher tobacco packaging regulations.
I encourage all Canadians to be more physically active, to refrain from smoking and to choose healthy foods.
On World Heart Day, let us reflect on the importance of heart health and make the necessary lifestyle changes to lead healthier lives.