Latest news with #HeartandStrokeFoundation
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario to require AEDs on construction sites
In a push to save lives in the event of heart attacks on the job, Labour Minister David Piccini is proposing legislation to require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at Ontario construction sites with more than 20 workers. Piccini will announce Friday in Whitby that construction firms can apply for reimbursement for the $2,300 machines. 'Every second counts in a cardiac emergency,' Piccini said in a statement obtained by the Star. AEDs are already in a number of locations across the province. The Heart and Stroke Foundation says putting them on construction sites is a 'step forward' given that 60,000 cardiac arrests take place outside hospitals in Canada every year.
Toronto Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- Toronto Star
Ontario to require AEDs on construction sites
In a push to save lives in the event of heart attacks on the job, Labour Minister David Piccini is proposing legislation to require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at Ontario construction sites with more than 20 workers. Piccini will announce Friday in Whitby that construction firms can apply for reimbursement for the $2,300 machines. 'Every second counts in a cardiac emergency,' Piccini said in a statement obtained by the Star. AEDs are already in a number of locations across the province. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The Heart and Stroke Foundation says putting them on construction sites is a 'step forward' given that 60,000 cardiac arrests take place outside hospitals in Canada every year. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Salty tastes, serious risks: how cutting back on salt can save your life
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt per day, roughly a teaspoon. Image: Monicore/Pexels Salt is the secret ingredient that brings our favourite meals to life. From the comforting aroma of a potjie stewing on the fire to the irresistible bite of ikota, South Africans love flavour, and salt often takes centre stage. But behind the savoury delight lies a silent threat that could be putting your health and even your life at risk. This May Measurement Month, health experts are calling on South Africans to take a closer look at their salt consumption. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading health challenges in the country, yet many remain unaware of its dangers. A large proportion of those with hypertension in SA remain undiagnosed, with estimates ranging from 46% to 50% unaware, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, leaving them vulnerable to serious health complications. But what does salt have to do with this? A lot. Studies show that excessive salt intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, which, in turn, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), SA's second leading cause of death. But behind the savoury delight lies a silent threat that could be putting your health and even your life at risk. This May Measurement Month, health experts are calling on South Africans to take a closer look at their salt consumption. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading health challenges in the country, yet many remain unaware of its dangers. A large proportion of those with hypertension in SA remain undiagnosed, with estimates ranging from 46% to 50% unaware, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, leaving them vulnerable to serious health complications. But what does salt have to do with this? A lot. Studies show that excessive salt intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, which, in turn, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), SA's second leading cause of death. Experiment with herbs, garlic, ginger, basil, and paprika to add flavour without relying on salt. Image: ArtHouse Studio/Pexels Here are five lifesaving reasons why reducing your salt intake may be the best health decision you make this year. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases Eating too much salt raises your blood pressure, putting strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to severe complications like heart attacks and strokes, two of the most common causes of death worldwide. In SA, CVD remains a leading cause of mortality. And the numbers don't lie: high blood pressure is responsible for nearly 13% of all deaths globally. By cutting back on salt, you can lower your blood pressure and, with it, your risk of heart disease, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and various conditions like arrhythmias and heart valve problems( basically any heart problems). Reduce the risk of kidney disease Our kidneys play a crucial role in filtering excess fluids and waste from our blood. Too much salt disrupts this process, causing your body to retain water, which puts added pressure on your kidneys. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage or even kidney failure. Protect your bones from osteoporosis Excessive salt intake increases calcium loss through urine, which can lead to reduced bone density over time. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle and prone to fractures. For many South Africans, especially women over 50 years, who are at higher risk, a low-salt diet combined with calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals can help maintain strong, healthy bones. Reduce your risk of stomach cancer Research has linked high salt consumption to an increased risk of gastric cancer. Salt damages the stomach lining and can contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, which is known to cause stomach ulcers and, in some cases, cancer. Given that stomach cancer often develops silently and is diagnosed at advanced stages, prevention is crucial. Opting for fresh, whole foods rather than heavily processed, salty snacks is a simple yet effective way to lower your risk. Improve your overall quality of life High blood pressure, driven by excess salt, doesn't just increase the risk of life-threatening conditions, it can also reduce your overall quality of life. Symptoms like early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, and vision changes can disrupt your daily routine. Left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, and even dementia. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt per day, roughly a teaspoon. Yet, studies show that most adults consume double this amount, often without realising it. Hidden salts in processed foods like bread, instant noodles, and sauces are major culprits. How to start reducing your salt intake: Check the sodium content in packaged foods and opt for low-sodium alternatives. Preparing meals from scratch gives you control over how much salt goes into your food. Experiment with herbs, garlic, ginger, basil, and paprika to add flavour without relying on salt. Swap processed foods for wholesome foods like fresh fruits, nuts, or unsalted popcorn. Taste before you add salt. SA has made strides in addressing this issue; in 2013, it became the first African nation to pass legislation regulating sodium levels in processed foods. Setting limits for bread, margarine, and other staples. While this legislation has helped reduce overall sodium consumption, the fight isn't over. Many South Africans still exceed the recommended daily intake, highlighting the need for continued public awareness and individual responsibility.
eNCA
11-05-2025
- Health
- eNCA
How less salt means more life
JOHANNESBURG - Salt of the earth? Sure, but being salty could break your heart. This Salt Awareness Week, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is calling a timeout on salty habits. Turns out, most of us are sprinkling way more than the recommended 5 grams of salt a day. This puts your heart, brain, and kidneys at serious risk. This year's theme, '5 Ways to 5 Grams,' is more than a catchy slogan; it's a wake-up call.
CBC
05-02-2025
- Health
- CBC
This NHL veteran and his family are now national ambassadors for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Eleven years ago, Nick and Janelle Foligno experienced what is many parents' worst fear. Their daughter, Milana, was born with a congenital heart disease, and would need an experimental surgery to save her life. "I'll never get that ride out of my head. You know, following an ambulance with your daughter in it and you and your wife are in the front seat with an empty car seat in the back going to the children's hospital in Columbus," said Foligno, a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL) who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time. Today, he is the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. Milana was later transferred to the Boston Children's Hospital where – at three weeks old – she became the youngest person in the world to receive an experimental procedure in which surgeons replaced her heart's mitral valve. "The mitral valve is the valve that takes the blood from the lungs to the heart," said Foligno. "And so essentially, it was regurgitating back into her lungs and causing her to have a really hard time breathing and essentially suffocating." The surgery was a success, and it saved her life. Milana has had some complications along the way, including requiring another valve replacement when she was five. "She came down with endocarditis at five years old, which is always a risk when you have a foreign substance in your body where it could get infected, and any bacteria in your blood wants to attach itself to the foreign object," said her mother, Janelle. And when she was eight, doctors expanded Milana's valve, through a catheter, to accommodate her growing heart. Her father says those experiences have given her a unique outlook. "She's got a really cool perspective on people," Nick said. "I find she learned to study people, probably from having to trust so many… And she's a great older sister to her brothers, when they're not annoying her." Now Nick and Janelle – who both grew up in Sudbury – are national ambassadors for the Heart and Stroke Foundation's February Heart Month campaign. "Now we're able to help and, and bring awareness to an area of congenital heart defects that maybe wasn't known before," said the 18-year NHL veteran. "So it's been a beautiful, organic, relationship and we're really proud of it." In addition to their work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Folignos also have their own charitable organization called The Heart Playbook, which supports research on congenital heart defects and supports families going through similar challenges. "With the platform that Nick has with the NHL, it's just to try to use it for good," Janelle said. "We did struggle at a certain point being so public with her story. You know, we didn't want it to come across the wrong way. But at the end of the day, the reason we do choose to speak about it is that awareness piece." Janelle said Milana has taken greater ownership of her story as she's gotten older, and is also becoming an advocate to bring more attention to congenital heart disease.
