Is it Better to Burn Out or Just Fade Away?

Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you pay for that
And once you're gone, you can never come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black.

Hey hey, My my…. Neil Young, Out of the Blue

Today’s reality is vastly different than yesterday’s dream. Juggling life’s professional and personal demands is difficult at the best of times. Physical activity and healthy eating are often put on the back burner in our fast paced society. Energy levels wane, fatigue grows, and sleeping habits suffer. We become so wrapped up in day-to-day living that we forget the negative burden stress and its associated lifestyle choices place on our well-being - particularly our heart health.

According to David Sculthorpe, CEO, of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “Eight out of 10 Canadians know that heart disease and stroke can be prevented, postponed or treated by making healthy lifestyle choices but they are focusing on the barriers rather than the opportunities. Three-quarters said they would be more active and over half said they would eat healthier meals if they could. And one of the leading barriers that keeps them from following through? Time.”

The statistics are grim. One in three Canadian deaths is from heart disease and stroke, and it is the number one killer of women. The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable, particularly through the adoption of healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Without a doubt, time constraints are a significant challenge for most of us. But in the best interest of self and family preservation and fulfillment, we need to stop focusing on the barriers and excuses. It is time to be mindful of the simple solutions (diet and regular activity) that can improve our health and mood. Taking time for yourself should be your first priority.

For more information visit www.heartandstroke.com . Reports on Canadians’ Heart Health