February is Heart Health Month: Take Action to Protect Your Heart
February is Heart Health Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. Did you know that heart disease is a leading cause of death in Canada? According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, over 1 in 12 Canadians live with heart disease, and heart disease is responsible for one in every 3 deaths in this country (1). The good news is that many heart issues can be prevented or managed with the right tools, resources, and support.
At Workplace Medical Corp. (WMC), we are committed to both preventing and responding to heart health concerns in workplaces across Canada. From proactive wellness solutions to life-saving emergency response training, we help organizations protect employees’ well-being.
Preventing Heart Health Issues: Proactive Wellness Solutions
- Biometric Testing
Early detection saves lives. Our comprehensive biometric testing provides insights into critical health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels. Regular check-ups help individuals monitor their heart health and take action before issues become critical. - Workplace Wellness Programs
Prevention is key when it comes to heart disease. Our workplace wellness programs offer employees education on nutrition, exercise, and stress management—all essential factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. By fostering a culture of heart health awareness, we help employees make informed choices that support long-term well-being.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Why Immediate Action Matters
While prevention is key, immediate action is critical in the event of a heart emergency. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the most severe consequences of heart disease, and it requires a fast response.
- In Canada, there are approximately 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually (4).
- Only 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (4).
- CPR and AED use can double the chance of survival (4).
- For every minute defibrillation is delayed, survival rates decrease by 7-10% (2).
- If an AED is used within 3 minutes of collapse, survival rates can rise to as high as 70-75% (2).
Responding When Every Second Counts: Preparedness & Emergency Response
When cardiac arrest strikes, immediate intervention is crucial. Here’s how WMC equips workplaces to handle cardiac emergencies:
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Every second matters in a cardiac emergency. As a trusted Stryker distributor, WMC supplies workplaces with life-saving AEDs and accessories, ensuring they are prepared to act quickly in an emergency. - CPR and AED Training
Knowing how to respond can make the difference between life and death. Our CPR and AED training programs teach individuals how to recognize the signs of a cardiac emergency, perform CPR effectively, and use an AED with confidence. - Urgent Injury Triage Program (UITP)
When an emergency occurs, access to immediate expert guidance is essential. Our UITP provides 24/7 access to trained nurses who offer triage support, helping individuals navigate urgent health concerns, including cardiac-related emergencies.
Prioritize Heart Health This February
Heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest are among Canada’s top health challenges—but they don’t have to be. With proactive heart health strategies and emergency preparedness, we can work together to reduce risks and save lives.
This Heart Health Month, take action; Invest in workplace wellness, ensure your organization has an AED on-site, and get trained in life-saving CPR and AED use. WMC is here to support you every step of the way.
References
Key AED & CPR Stories: 15 Lifesaving Stories Where Using an AED and CPR Changed the World for the Better
Statistics:
- Connected by the numbers | Heart and Stroke Foundation
- pad-eng-final.ashx
- final-en-addressingcardiacarreststatement-nov-2019.Ashx
- Heart & Stroke 2024 Cardiac Arrest report by heartandstroke – Issuu