Heart disease is Canada's number one killer. Every year, 26,000 Ontarians die of heart disease -- that's 35% of deaths in the province. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death, illness and disability in Ontario.

• More than three in four Ontario adults have at least one risk factor for heart disease.
• Contrary to a popular misconception, women are equally susceptible to developing heart disease as men.

There are ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Talk to your doctor about reducing your risk. While some risk factors -- such as a family history of heart disease -- cannot be prevented, there are others you can control. These include :

• Smoking
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• 0besity, particularly extra weight around your middle
• Inactive lifestye
• Diabetes
• Stress

Healthy eating helps you feel great, stay well and control your weight. A healthy diet also offers protection against heart disease, stroke, cancer and other serious diseases. Follow these tips adapted from Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Eating :

• Enjoy smaller portions of lean meat, fish or poultry, trimming away any visible fat.
• Plan your meals with the main focus on vegetables, fruit and grain products such as rice, pasta, bread, and cereals. Choose more whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread, brown rice and cereals. Include some servings of dark-green and orange fruits and vegetables every day.
• Reach for lower fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese in the dairy case (1% or 2% butter fat, or skim).
• Cut back on fats like butter, oil and margarine. Prepare food using as little extra fat as possible.
• Limit salt, alcohol and caffeine. Prepared foods are high in salt. More than two alcoholic drinks a day raises blood pressure -- a serious risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. Alcohol should be limited to a maximum of two drinks per day and coffee to four regular-size cups.

For information about local Ontario Heart Health Program activities in your area, contact your local public health unit at the number found in the blue pages of your telephone directory.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario offers information about the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease in men and women and how to protect your heart. The toll-free Heart and Stroke Healthline information service provides over 400 disease-specific and lifestyle resources around the clock.
Call 1-888-HFS-INFO (1-888-473-4636).