The Zoomer Report: Heart Disease Report

Here are more good reasons to eat properly, exercise, and butt out. After two years of consulting and analysis, a federal agency has concluded that too many Canadians die from heart attacks and strokes because they eat too much, exercise too little and are still smoking.

In some ways, the cure is simple. It involves healthy eating — including at least five servings of vegetables and fruit each day — and more physical activity.

Authors of The Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan say we need a comprehensive strategy, and the government should spend $700 million over seven years to persuade people to drop fatty, salty foods, get more exercise and ditch cigarettes.

They say the return would be a $22-billion saving in direct and indirect costs by 2020. But money aside, with effort and determination, these are things we can all do for ourselves.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Simone van den Berg

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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