When we think of February, we imagine heart-shaped chocolates, bouquets of flowers, and declarations of affection for those we hold dear. Yet, February is not only about connecting with our emotions; it’s also National Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on our cardiovascular health.
National Heart Month shines a spotlight on the significance of maintaining a healthy heart and the steps we can take to minimize our risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Here are a few updated facts to consider:
- As of 2024, 1 in 11 Canadian adults aged 20 and over are living with diagnosed heart disease, indicating a slight improvement in heart health nationwide.
- Approximately 13 Canadian adults aged 20 and over with diagnosed heart disease pass away every hour, highlighting the ongoing impact of this condition.
- The risk of heart attack remains higher in men than in women, though the gap is narrowing as awareness and preventive measures increase.
- On average, men are diagnosed with heart disease around 9 years younger than women (54 vs. 63 years old), emphasizing the need for early intervention and lifestyle changes.
The good news is that heart disease rates in Canada are on a downward trend, thanks to increased awareness and preventive health measures. Yet, there’s always room for improvement, and each of us can play a part in further reducing these numbers.
This Heart Month, take a moment to evaluate your health and see how you can lower your risk:
- Embrace a smoke-free lifestyle.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet.
We’ve curated a list of heart-friendly ingredients that are not only seasonal in Southwest BC but will also boost your heart health:
Fresh vegetables and fruits:
- Apples
- Cabbage (Savoy, Red)
- Cucumbers
- Kale
- Leeks
- Onions (Red, Yellow)
- Parsnips
Storage/dried/frozen ingredients:
- Beans
- Beets
- Cabbage (Green)
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Potatoes (Red, Russet, Yellow)
- Rutabagas
- Shallots
- Turnips (white)
Support Quest Food Exchange
Despite the success of our model and similar initiatives throughout British Columbia, a significant amount of nutritious food remains unused. This is often due to surplus production, aesthetic imperfections, or impending best-before dates.
If you’re involved in food production, distribution, commercial markets, restaurants, or local farming, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make a difference.
Contact us at jmartin@questoutreach.org or call 604-602-0186 Ext: 3109 to explore how you can become a Quest Food Partner.
Don’t wait – join us in making a difference today!
Women and Equity Issues
Women in Canada are more likely than men to experience poverty. Single mothers, Indigenous women, visible minority women, immigrant women, and senior women are at particular risk due to marginalization and discrimination. It’s also challenging as there are limited means to shop for healthier food options, especially as sticker prices continue to rise. Read more.
Addressing Food Security
Addressing food security can help address gender inequality in several ways:
Empowerment: When women have access to adequate and nutritious food, they can better care for their families and have more energy and resources to pursue other opportunities. This can increase their economic independence and decision-making power, leading to greater empowerment.
Education: When women and girls are not hungry and have access to nutritious food, they can concentrate and attend school, increasing their chances of obtaining an education and better job opportunities.
Improved health: Women with access to nutritious food are more likely to be healthy and have better birth outcomes, reducing the risk of maternal and child mortality risk
Reduced violence: When women are economically empowered and access resources like food, they are less vulnerable to gender-based violence and exploitation.
Improved community development: Addressing food security can have a positive impact on overall community development, as improved health, education, and economic outcomes can lead to reduced poverty and increased prosperity.
Addressing food security is a crucial step in promoting gender equality and empowering women, and it should be a priority in development efforts globally.
Help Close the Gender Gap
Help ensure families, individuals, and women in need can access the groceries they want at affordable prices. As redistribution leaders, we work to actively redirect healthy, good food that would otherwise end up in landfill and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Almost all of Quest’s food is donated by local food partners across British Columbia and delivered across our five Lower Mainland markets at a reduced cost to our client communities. Quest’s five grocery markets are located in Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, East Vancouver, and the Downtown Eastside.
Let’s work together to close the gender gap and ensure food security for all.
