Have you made the heart-healthy commitment?

(NC)-High cholesterol is one of the most common conditions affecting Canadians. In fact, almost half of all adult Canadians (48 per cent of men and 43 per cent of women¹) have unhealthy cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease or stroke. Yet, according to an Ipsos-Reid survey*, more than one third of respondents do not understand that even slightly high cholesterol levels can be dangerous.

As part of an ongoing effort to encourage Canadians to take action to control their cholesterol, head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pat Quinn; golf pioneer, Sandra Post; sportscaster, Rod Black; and Olympic gold-medallist, Gaétan Boucher, have teamed up with Making the Connection to develop a collection of recipes to help Canadians make heart-healthy diet choices. Pat, Sandra, Rod, Gaétan and the Making the Connection partners share their favourite recipes, all of which have been reviewed by a CLNN dietitian, who also provides heart healthy cooking tips. The Making the Connection Heart-Healthy Recipe Book is available to download free by visiting www.makingtheconnection.ca.

It’s time Canadians make thcommitment and take charge of their heart health. If you have high cholesterol, make sure it’s properly managed to reduce the risk of developing heart disease or stroke. For many Canadians, a healthy diet and regular exercise are not enough to reach target cholesterol levels. Ask your doctor about your target, and then take action to reach it.

For more information about cholesterol and how it affects your heart health visit www.makingtheconnection.ca.

Making the Connection is a program dedicated to the ongoing education of Canadians about the dangers of high cholesterol, and to encouraging Canadians to take action to control high cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

¹ Heart and Stroke Foundation

*Survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid with 1,772 Canadian men (aged 40 plus) and women (aged 50 plus).

– News Canada