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Healthy heart the perfect gift for Mother's Day

The Heart Truth campaign provides tips to help mom set fitness goals that support her heart health.


Vancouver, May 5, 2008 – This Mother's Day, the Heart and Stroke Foundation urges sons and daughters to encourage their mothers to set heart health-related fitness goals.

Many Canadian women report they are too busy juggling work and family to take time for their heart health – until they have a heart attack. But by making simple lifestyle changes, women can reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke by as much as 80 per cent.1

"Regular physical exercise is critical in the prevention of heart disease and stroke," says Bobbe Wood, President & CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon. "Women should notice a big difference in their fitness level within three months of following a physical activity plan. Added benefits include more energy, better sleep and reduced stress."

The Heart Truth campaign offers tips on setting a fitness program:

* Exercise doesn't need to be costly or time consuming. Women don't need to invest huge amounts of time or buy expensive gym equipment or health club memberships to increase their fitness levels.

* When starting out, go slow and work up gradually. At first, resist the urge to walk longer. If 10 minutes is too much to start, walk just five minutes. Then keep adding five minutes to the routine. Make an action plan for each season so that weather doesn't get in the way.

* Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. This gets the blood pumping and the heart beating faster, which in turn, allows the blood to circulate more quickly, delivering extra oxygen to the muscles.

* Discuss fitness plans with a healthcare provider. Before starting any physical activity program, first consult with a healthcare provider to determine the fitness plan most appropriate for individual needs.

"Sending The Heart Truth e-card on Mother's Day is a great way to inspire moms to take care of their heart health," says Bobbe Wood. "The e-cards, with the option to include personalized messages are available on The Heart Truth website."

While one in three Canadian women die of heart disease and stroke, most don't know that it's their most serious health concern.2 The Heart Truth campaign educates women about identifying their risks and warning signs of heart disease and stroke. The Heart Truth provides women with the tools they need to take charge of their heart health. The campaign is especially relevant for women 40 to 60 years old, whose risk increases as they age.

About The Heart Truth campaign

While one in three Canadian women die of heart disease and stroke, most don't know that it's their most serious health concern.2 The Heart Truth campaign educates women about identifying their risks and warning signs of heart disease and stroke. The Heart Truth provides women with the tools they need to take charge of their heart health. The campaign is especially relevant for women 40 to 60 years old, whose risk increases as they age.

The Heart Truth campaign gratefully acknowledges the support of founding sponsor, Becel, and contributing sponsors Dempster's, Ocean Spray, Pfizer, Rogers Consumer Publishing, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver without whom the program would not be possible.

About The Heart and Stroke Foundation

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.