Keep a healthy body weight The size of your waist or BMI on one day doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about your weight issues. Watching your waist size and body weight over time is an excellent way for you and your healthcare provider to learn how your body is changing as you age and to look out for your risk of heart disease and stroke. Image: thinkstock.ca Staying at a healthy weight isn’t always as simple as eating healthy and being active, but it is a great beginning. See Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 for more information about getting to a healthy body weight.
Follow the instructions or watch a video on how to measure your waist at heartandstroke.ca/healthywaist My BMI is My waist circumference is Limit the alcohol you drink Know how many drinks you have every day and week. If you drink alcohol regularly, plan non-drinking days each week. Follow Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines: • No more than two drinks a day most days, to a weekly maximum of 10 for women. • No more than three drinks a day most days, to a weekly maximum of 15 for men. Always consider your age, body weight and health problems. They may lower your limit.
Learn about drinking recommendations from Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines at ccsa.ca Be physically active Regular physical activity can be a lifesaver — literally. At least 150 minutes of physical activity a week can reduce your risk of heart disease. And being active is also a great way to keep to a healthy weight, lower high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and manage stress. Chapter 4 has more information about physical activity and exercise plans. 14 | Heart and Stroke Foundation