Preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke

If lifestyle risk factors were reduced, more than 80% of prematurecardiovascular disease would be avoided. Lifestyle choices that can reduce CVD risk are:

  • Being physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week
  • Choosing these foods more often:
    • vegetables and fruit
    • low-fat dairy product
    • foods low in saturated and trans fat
    • foods low in sodium
    • whole grains
    • lean meat, fish and poultry
  • Eating less sodium
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Limiting alcohol to 1 to 2 standard drinks a day or less
  • Being smoke-free
  • Reducing stress
  • Knowing and controlling your blood pressure

Significant health benefits can be gained just by adding physical activity into one’s daily routine, such as climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

For more information

Source:
» Ottawa Charter: CPHA Health Digest, Vol. 10, No 4, December 1986
» Join Us - Be a “10”: CPHA Health Digest, Spring 1983