This winter, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is reaching out to

VOLUME 12
• ISSUE 2
This winter, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is reaching out to Canadians with a
powerful message and a vision for the future…getting more time with our first ever
cross-country awareness campaign: Make Death Wait.
MAKE DEATH WAIT
The facts are all too clear:
Death loves Tom, Dick or Harry
Heart disease and stroke take 1 in 3
Canadians before their time.
Death loves the ladies
Heart disease and stroke is the #1 killer
of women, taking more women than all
cancers combined.
The situation is critical. Despite these
dire statistics, Heart and Stroke
Foundation report cards continue to
show us that Canadians are critically
unaware of their risk for these
diseases. Staying in the dark about
these risks comes at a great cost.
Approximately 250,000 years of life
are being lost unnecessarily each
year due to these diseases.
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The most compelling point is that
80% of heart disease and stroke is
preventable.
awareness and to catalyze Canadians
to take action and take charge of their
cardiovascular health.
By investing in awareness and
fostering healthy living, we have every
opportunity to turn the tide and give
Canadians more hours in the day —
more days in the year — more years in
a life.
On heartandstroke.bc.ca, learn more
about the campaign, including how
you can donate, take action, or share
the campaign message to support the
cause. On this site, the Foundation has
set a goal and provided ideas to help
Canadians take 1 million actions to
Make Death Wait. What action will you
take?
That’s why we’re delivering a
breakthrough, urgent rallying cry to
Canadians this winter, waking them
up to the real threat of heart disease
and stroke, like they’ve never heard
before...and we’re asking everyone
across Canada to support a vision that
will change our future.
The Make Death Wait campaign was
launched on October 31st, to raise
Learn more and
Make Death Wait:
fb: heartandstroke
t: @TheHSF
heartandstroke.bc.ca
CELEBRATES
30 YEARS
Jump Rope for Heart is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year! A quick look back shows just how
much Jump has accomplished in that time. Not only has it helped to raise funds for some vital research and
health promotion initiatives, but it has also helped thousands of kids across the province get active.
By the numbers
Since the launch of Jump Rope for Heart in 1981:
Schools registered in and
participating since 1981 have
jumped 1,440,000+ minutes*
42% of all BC schools
have participated
X 1.5 million
3 million kids have participated...
X 43.2 million mins.
… and they’ve jumped for a total of 43,200,000 minutes
JUMP FUNDRAISING
30 years of Jump Rope for Heart
fundraising has enabled us to:
CEO’S MESSAGE
1. Give hope to families with infants awaiting
heart transplants
By funding research discoveries, such as successful
transplants for donors and recipients with incompatible
blood types.
2. Fund research to improve the lives of children
Including studies that look at safe walking to and from
school in relation to unhealthy levels of physical activity
and obesity.
3. Provide important health information to families
Including tools like the Heart & Soul handbook, a
source of help and reassurance for families of children
diagnosed with congenital heart disease.
Diego Marchese, CEO, BC & Yukon
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Healthy kids
CELEBRATES
15 YEARS
HeartSmart Kids™ is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary this year! In 15 years, we’ve
reached youth across the province, and equipped them with better knowledge and tools to live
healthier lifestyles.
By the numbers
Since the launch of HeartSmart Kids™ in 1996:
8,317 teachers have been trained
Each teacher who
registered in 1996 and
renewed each year
reached 450+ students
30,480 students were
reached in 2010 alone*
724 teachers have been
trained in the Aboriginal
program
=
*100 kids
BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION
Why have we set such a lofty goal?
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is now a strong,
unified national organization committed to protecting all
Canadians from having their lives cut short. This new national
organization enables us to be stronger and more efficient for
our communities, and strengthens our national presence. We
will be able to make a greater impact in ways we’ve never
been able to before. Canadians everywhere will benefit, as
we work towards our mission of eliminating heart disease and
stroke.
1. Heart disease and stroke will take 1 in 3 Canadians before their
time.
One of the ways we’re doing this nationally is the Make Death
Wait campaign profiled in this newsletter, raising awareness
and catalyzing Canadians to take action and take charge
of their health. Another is to define and communicate our
mission in terms of real impact.
THE HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION’S GOAL IS TO
REDUCE DEATHS DUE TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
BY 25% BY 2020. THAT TRANSLATES TO 25,000 LIVES THAT
WILL BE SAVED EACH AND EVERY YEAR.*
2. Heart disease is the # 1 killer of women.
3. Diverse communities face unique risks that influence higher and
earlier onset rates – for example South Asians are 3 to 5 times
more likely to experience early onset of heart disease and stroke.
4. This is the first generation of children who may not outlive their
parents, with childhood obesity rates tripling in the past 30 years.
Perhaps the most telling number of all is the positive one: 80%
of heart disease and stroke is preventable.
With your support we are helping Canadians get more time: more
hours in a day, more days in a year, more years in a life.
Long live life!
*Source for information is Statistics Canada and the Canadian Heart
Health Strategy and Action Plan.
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Health Minister Michael de Jong and Samira Alibhai Ismaili Council of BC President prepare to cut the
ribbon officially opening the 20th Annual Ismaili Walk in Support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The
Walk raised more than $650,000 to fund hypertension awareness and health promotion for children.
ISMAILI WALK 2011
It may have been a typical fall day in
Vancouver, but on September 25th the
wind and rain was easily forgotten with
the energy and warmth exuded by all
the walkers, leaders and entertainers
at the 20th Annual Ismaili Walk 2011 for
the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Participants in the 5 km walk took
big strides forward for their own
heart health, while raising awareness
and funds to support two of the
Foundation’s key programs: the Take
the Pressure Down hypertension
campaign and HeartSmart Kids™
health promotion program.
A RECORD SETTING $650,000 WAS
RAISED AT THE ISMAILI WALK
FOR THE HEART AND STROKE
FOUNDATION, WITH MORE THAN
2,500 WALKERS ATTENDING.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation is
proud to have been selected as the
charity of choice for the Walk this year.
For 20 years, the Ismaili Council of
BC has supported local community
organizations, giving back over
$3.8 million.
Learn more online at:
The funds raised at the Ismaili Walk will support two key
heartandstroke.ca/heartsmartkids
initiatives in BC next year:
Take the Pressure Down hypertension campaign
takethepressuredown.ca
High blood pressure is the #1 risk factor for stroke, and a major risk factor for heart disease, and as many as 400,000 British
Columbians have it. Take the Pressure Down is a campaign to help citizens identify and reduce their risk for high blood pressure.
HeartSmart Kids™ health promotion program
HeartSmart Kids™ is a curriculum-based program, which encourages children to make heart-healthy lifestyle choices in a fun,
challenging and engaging way. HeartSmart Kids™ Family Resources are also available.
PUMP IT UP — Health Minister Michael de Jong pumps
up the crowd from the stage of the 20th Annual Ismaili
Walk in Support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation,
surrounded by leaders from the Heart and Stroke
Foundation and the Ismaili Community.
*All Ismaili Walk 2011 Photos taken by Hakam Bhaloo
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Healthy living
Pistachio crusted whitefish with chunky roasted red pepper sauce
The soft meatiness of colourful pistachios adds a nice contrast to the crisp garlic crust for the fish. Look for catfish, tilapia,
haddock or cod fillets for this recipe in your grocery stores.
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes
HEALTHY RECIPE
Ingredients
• 125 mL (1/2 cup) fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
• 60 mL (1/4 cup) shelled pistachios, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 mL (1/4 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg white
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard
• 4 small white fish fillets (about 454 g/1 lb)
• 2 tsp (10 mL) canola oil
Chunky Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
• 5 mL (1 tsp) canola oil
heartandstroke.ca/recipes
• Half small onion, finely diced
• 25 mL (2 tbsp) chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1 jar (340 mL/12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and diced
• 125 mL (1/2 cup) no salt homemade chicken stock or reduced sodium chicken broth
• 15 mL (1 tbsp) liquid honey
CALORIES: 245
Protein: 27g
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 49mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fibre: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Sodium: 439mg
Potassium: 626mg
Directions
1.In a shallow dish combine breadcrumbs, pistachios, garlic and pepper.
2.In another shallow dish, whisk together egg white and mustard. Coat fish fillets with mustard mixture and coat in breadcrumb
mixture.
3.Heat oil in large ovenproof nonstick skillet and cook fish on medium high heat for 2 minutes. Turn over and place in 220C (425F)
oven for about 8 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with fork.
4.Meanwhile, in small nonstick skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat and cook onion and parsley for about 5 minutes or
until softened. Add peppers, stock and honey and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 2 minutes or until some of the stock has
evaporated. Serve over fish fillets.
Tip: To make fresh breadcrumbs, use fresh sliced bread or buns and pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs. Freeze any extra
in a resealable bag or airtight container.
Recipe developed by Emily Richards, PH Ec. ©The Heart and Stroke Foundation 2011
Thank you for your generous support:
Ministry of Health, Choices, Retirement
Concepts, Destination Auto Group, Sodican,
UBC, Dept. of Research & International,
123Dentist, ABC Restaurants, Amica Mature
Lifestyles, Park Place Seniors Living, Orko/
Blackcomb, Canadian Western Bank, Industrial
Alliance Pacific Insurance & Financial Services,
Vancity, Vancouver Courier, CTV Media,
Vancouver Sun, Canada Wide Media/ TV Week,
The Link, North Shore News, News 1130, Canada
Place, Choices, Hakam Bhaloo Photography,
KVOS TV, Westwood Printing.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT ANY AGE —
Some of the youngest walkers at the Ismaili
Walk proved that age is no deterrent to
furthering a cause. 8-year-old Aahil Bhayani
raised $6,100, while the Lalji brothers
Rehman, 18, and Aly, 16, raised $7,740 and
$1,375 respectively.
Pictured left-to-right: Rehman Lalji, Aly Lalji
and Aahil Byanai.
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A CANADIAN FIRST IN
WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH
Dr. Karin Humphries, UBC
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Professor in Women’s
Cardiovascular Health
Too often, heart disease is thought of as a man’s disease – when in
reality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death
for women. To further our understanding about how this disease
impacts women of all ages, and to champion the cause within the
industry, a leader was needed.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is proud to support
the first research program in Canada to investigate gender-based
differences for heart disease and stroke:
The UBC Heart and Stroke Foundation Professorship in Women’s
Cardiovascular Health.
Dr. Karin Humphries, a researcher at St. Paul’s Hospital, and
Associate Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, is the
inaugural Professor. She will research the detection and early
treatment of cardiovascular disease, and new ways to improve
the education of physicians, women and their families on heart
disease and stroke. She will also develop strategies to improve
outcomes for women at highest risk, including Aboriginal and
South Asian women and those of poor socio-economic status.
Look for updates on Dr. Humphries’ research in future editions
of HeartsandMinds.
WHY I GIVE
Mr. Wayne Mew with his
sister-in-law, Diane Mew
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Mr. Wayne Mew, age 77, lives in Victoria, BC, and has been steadily
recovering from the effects of a serious stroke in 2007. Since that time, he
has benefited from the Heart and Stroke Foundation funded research of
Dr. Janice Eng, whose programs, FIRM and GRASP, are available online
at no charge for use at home by stroke survivors to continue rehabilation
after discharge from the hospital. Wayne’s own support to the Heart and
Stroke Foundation since 2005 has made a difference for British Columbians
everywhere, and he has graciously agreed to an interview to share his
story in the hopes of helping others who may be struggling on the road to
recovery from stroke.
Can you describe your life before the stroke? I was married for 47 years
to my beautiful wife, Susie, who passed away from a stroke in February 2007.
We enjoyed so much together, especially ballroom dancing. I had been
running my business, Chew’s TV and Stereo, and was planning to retire. Just
before the stroke I was lifting a 10-foot sheet of drywall when I began to feel
very weak and my legs began to give out. I called 911 and the ambulance
came quickly. My sister-in-law, Diane, met me at Victoria General Hospital. It
was December 4, 2007, less than 10 months after Susie passed away.
What happened following your stroke? It was a serious stroke so I stayed
until the end of March 2008 in the Stroke Unit, which was excellent for
rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. My progress allowed
me to move to Glenwarren Lodge, a long-term care facility in Victoria.
Healthy futures
NATIONAL
RESEARCH
CONGRESS
The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC)
was held in Vancouver this year, bringing the
nation’s leaders in cardiovascular and allied health
professionals to the west coast, in late October.
Hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and
the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the CCC is
the premier scientific meeting in Canada. With
close to 4,000 professionals in attendance annually,
and a wealth of information on cardiovascular
disease (CVD), the Congress highlighted the
quality and importance of Canadian CVD research
and provide the public with important information
on preventing and managing heart disease.
For more information on what was
covered at this year’s event,
visit www.cardiocongress.org
KUDOS
Thomas Norris has volunteered for the Heart and
Stroke Foundation for the last 7 years. Each Fall,
when the Heart and Stroke Foundation asks for
canvassers to support the February Heart Month
campaign, Thomas diligently responds to the call.
Six years ago, Thomas was alerted to the symptoms
of heart disease by a friend. His ensuing trip to
the doctor revealed that he required triple bypass
surgery in short order.
Thomas reflects on the surgery, “If it hadn’t been
for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and all the
progress they’ve made – had it been 30 years ago
- maybe my chances wouldn’t have been so good.
But thankfully these days it’s different, I had triplebypass surgery and I was back out playing hockey
four months later.”
With a family history stricken with heart disease
and stroke, and filled with appreciation for his own
strong recovery, Thomas felt he’d like to give back
to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
When asked what he’d say to someone considering
canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
in February, Thomas offered a thoughtful
consideration, “there’s always help needed.”
My family began renovating my father’s home to adapt it for my return. When I moved there in December 2009, more
than a year after the stroke, I was still unable to speak clearly or walk or manage alone. My sister, Ann, and my sister-inlaw, Diane, helped me and arranged for 24/7 care in my home. Gloria and Lucy are my primary caregivers, while Noella
provides massage. Alice is my physiotherapist. A great team! Not everyone has this much support so I feel very fortunate.
How would you describe your life in the four years since the stroke? Did you imagine you would recover to the
point you have today? Life has been challenging, but I have tried to stay positive in my thinking and not lose hope.
Today, my speech is returning and I have begun to walk with the aid of a one-handed walker! This is amazing!
Can you describe what has worked for you and could possibly help others who are recovering from stroke? Having
a “team” to help me on the road to recovery is very important. Staying engaged socially keeps depression at bay, and
good nutrition, exercise and adequate rest are vital. I try to limit salt and sugar, and to eat lots of vegetables and fruit. My
sleep is getting better. I also started Tai Chi to improve balance and concentration. I was able to use special exercise and
therapy equipment at the MS Society. Finally, I try to do something to stimulate my mind. Every day I read, do crosswords
or work on the computer. But I also enjoy TV, especially “Dancing With The Stars”! (I’m not dancing yet…maybe next
year!) All of these things are helpful to me.
What would you say to encourage others on the road to recovery after a stroke, and their loved ones? Whatever it
is…give it a try…you haven’t lost anything by trying! It will be better – one step at a time. Never give up!
For more information about how you can give:
Linda Netherton, Director, Personal Giving
604.737.3421 | [email protected]
|7
Upcoming events
The Heart and Stroke Foundation is active in your community!
These events and more are listed on: heartandstroke.bc.ca/mycommunity
BREAKFAST WITH
REX MURPHY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Watch Rex Murphy speak From The Heart at the annual
Heart&Stroke Celebrity Breakfast. Last year’s event sold
out quickly! Get your tickets now!
Vancouver Convention Centre
February 15, 2012
7:00 a.m. Networking
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Buy your tickets today!
heartandstroke.ca/celebritybreakfast
VOLUNTEER FOR
HEART
MONTH
MAKE
DEATH
WAIT.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER.
Heart disease and stroke take 1 in 3 Canadians before their
time. So please volunteer in your neighbourhood and help
Canadians live longer, fuller lives. February is Heart Month
and, with volunteers, donations, eduation and research, we
can make death wait.
Register today @ heartandstroke.ca/help
Heart disease and stroke take 1 in 3 Canadians before
their time. So please volunteer in your neighbourhood
and help Canadians live longer, fuller lives. February
is Heart Month and, with volunteers, donations,
Feedback?
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education and research, we can make death
wait.
REGISTER TODAY AT HEARTANDSTROKE.CA/HELP
[email protected]
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