Submitted by Beverly Boese--Did you kno that a third of all deaths in British Columbia result from heart disease? And that over 100,000 British Columbians live with chronic heart disease? These numbers are frightening but evidence shows that we can fight heart disease and reduce its impact by as much as 30-percent. That would mean the quality of a lot of lives would be improved.
There are risk factors for heart disease we can't change; such as gender and a family history of heart disease or diabetes. However we can make a huge impact on several of the other risk factors for heart disease.
The Skidegate Health Centre is putting on a 'Hearts at Work' health fair Thursday, October 14, 11 am to 3 pm in the Skidegate community hall. We are having several different booths to address fitness, smoking cessation, healthy foods, managing stress, lowering blood pressure/cholesterol levels; the risk factors for heart disease over which we do have control.
We will offer cardiac risk assessments, by which to evaluate your heart disease risk and several health professionals (including a registered dietician) with whom to discuss ideas. We are also offering cholesterol testing with a simple finger prick test (much like testing your blood sugar).
A delicious lunch will be served and we'll even give out the recipe for the good soup!
One in five of us British Columbians have two or more heart disease risk factors. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Attendance is free. Bring a friend.
For more information please call the Skidegate Health Centre at 559-4610 and leave a message for Beverly Boese.