Improving Your Chances
Exercising for a Healthy Heart
By Sonya Green-Haché
February was heart and stroke month. The heart health statistics of Miramichiers
are grim. We lead the way in obesity, diabetes and heart attacks. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Annual
Report Card on Canadians’ Health indicated the number of overweight and obese Canadians is increasing at an alarming
rate and now poses one of the greatest threats to public health in the country. In fact, according to the Health and Stroke
Foundation, almost two-thirds (12.1 million) of Canadian adults (age 20-64) are overweight and/or smoke. Research has shown
that the number of deaths in Canada attributable to overweight and obesity has almost doubled over the past fifteen years,
increasing from 2,514 in 1985 to 4,321 in 2000. The only way to reverse this dangerous trend is through healthy eating and
active living.
So what can we do to become more active and have a healthy heart especially
during these next two months where the weather fluctuates between snow, rain, and sun?
"The key is to find an activity you enjoy," says Dr. Kris Wierzchoslawski,
a Miramichi family doctor. "There are still several weeks of winter ahead of us and there are many activity choices available."
He says to maximize the next few weeks of cold weather, "take advantage
of nature and lose yourself on the trail, get up from your lazy boy armchair, wax your skis or snowshoes and enjoy winter."
He recommends snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and skating. He says indoor activity lacks one important element - fresh
air and contact with the wind.
Wierzchoslawski, an avid cross-country skier says, "if you can walk, you
can ski." He says cross-country skiing is quite gentle on your joints and very beneficial on the body and mind. He says if
you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the lights at the Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club in Nelson are just for
you. He is so compassionate about the benefits of skiing that he dreams one day there will be roads and trails covered with
snow in which we commute to work on our skis and snowshoes. He says snowmobiles would be used to groom kilometres of snowy
roads. "Our towns have been built for machines and cars, somebody forgot about the people."
Walking is an activity that can easily be accomplished regardless of the
weather. Miramichi family physician, Dr. Carl Hudson says that the Miramichi has many beautiful trails and walkways available
throughout the year.
"You can enjoy the fresh air at French Fort Cove or inside at the Walking
Central in the Lindon Recreation Centre or in the mall." Hudson says the benefits of being active to your health, regardless
of the activity is worth the effort.
"Active living will strengthen your heart and improve both physical and
mental health." He says the ways to keep active are endless and if you would rather remain indoors until the snow has left
the ground, you can try indoor ice-skating, swimming, or joining a gym.
To obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from your winter activity you
should follow these precautions:
1. Be aware of the weather forecast. Winter weather can change suddenly.
Be aware of the temperature and ice conditions.
2. Dress for the weather. You will need to adjust your clothing accordingly
to the weather forecast. It is best to dress in layers, wear a hat as most body heat is lost through the head, and wear proper
hand and footwear.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Don’t be fooled that
you can’t become dehydrated in the cold weather.
4. Stay on marked trails when cross-country skiing and roadways when walking.
5. Bring a friend to share in the fun.
6. Take your cell phone with you and keep it warm since the battery may
discharge quite rapidly in lower temperatures.
In following these precautions, you will be well on your way to enjoying
your activity during these next few months. Help your heart and your health by getting active.
Tell us what you think about the Improving Your Chances health column by
contacting us through E-Mail region7@health.nb.ca Phone 623-3003 or mail the Miramichi Regional Health Authority, 500 Water St., Miramichi, NB, E1V 3G5
