I started writing this month’s update with the intention, or at least the hope, of encouraging and inspiring many of you in your new year’s goals and resolutions.
The reality is, I am sitting in front of my computer while also scrolling on my phone. I will admit that being on my phone and scrolling less is a massive resolution for me this year. Usually, on my feeds, the algorithm brings me fitness and nutrition tips, the latest in anti-ageing products and everything involving perimenopause. Today, however, I am looking at the devastating images coming out of California, where in a split second, lives were uprooted, homes and businesses destroyed, landmarks and iconic buildings levelled, and lives lost.
I know personally how quickly life can change, when sudden loss and heartbreak bring you to your knees. I am not sure what it would be like to have to sit there and watch everything you have worked for disappear into ashes. While there is serious material and financial loss, the quote you hear most often, even from those who have lost everything, is that they are grateful to be alive and that their families are safe, which is all that matters at the end of the day. To those in California, there will always be a “before and after” the fire. For me, there will always be a before and after my dad’s fatal heart attack. For some of you, there will always be a before and after of a “health crisis” or “event.” We carry these memories and these lifechanging moments with us forever.
So, my hope is that all of us can take a moment to reflect on the fact that we don’t need a serious life event to unfold before our eyes to make a desired change in our habits. We just need the courage to take the steps in the right direction if we aspire for more. Some people are starting from scratch. I am rooting for you. Our Foundation team is now working on bringing awareness to heart disease with February Is Heart Month right around the corner. We will be sharing new patient profiles, research discoveries, tips on prevention, and making people aware of their cardiovascular risk factors.
Heart Month is also about showing appreciation for the cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, technicians, scientists, researchers, and everyone who devotes their life’s work to ensuring you have the opportunity to live and make the most out of yours.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the STEMI Program, a significant milestone that highlights the program’s impact on heart attack care across the Ottawa region. We are thrilled to have its founder and director Dr. Michel Le May as this year’s Heart Month Ambassador. The STEMI program has helped reduce STEMI-related deaths by nearly half, with more than 10,000 patients treated to date.
Please help us bring February is Heart Month to the next level. Our generous partners will be matching donations all month.
We have so many exciting things happening in the coming weeks, running right through February. Starting right off the bat with Light the Capital Red initiative. I never get tired of seeing buildings, businesses and homes supporting this initiative. If you need a recap, here is a look at last year’s highlight video.
If you are looking for help in lighting your home or building up in red, Preston Hardware has a section for you for all your red light needs. GLO outdoor lighting by Nutri lawn is also a Heart Month supporter, actively encouraging their customers to light up red at the touch of a button on your phone.
Once again, community events in support of February is Heart Month are happening throughout the city.
Back for a second year, the Red-Light Run is bigger and better than ever.
New this year, we are proud to have partnered with CARHA, which is a national service provider for recreational hockey teams in communities across Canada. Together we are educating hundreds of thousands of rec hockey players on their heart health. The Mobile Screening program at the Heart Institute will be offering CARHA players the opportunity to visit and to improve their heart health and better understand their risk factors. Learn more!
There are many ways to get ready for February is Heart Month: Of course, if you are looking for a great way for your business to give back you could sell paper hearts and become a paper hearts supporter.
We are also thrilled to continue our collaboration with the historic Fairmont Château Laurier that will light up red in honour of Heart Month. Stay tuned for more details about their upcoming Executive Chef-led masterclasses featuring heart-healthy menus, signature mocktails & cocktails and a stunning heart-themed surprise. As always, the best place to check for the very latest updates will be on our website www.februaryisheartmonth.ca
On our site, you will also find new weekly stories of resilience and survival by master storyteller, Joel Haslam. We can’t wait to reveal the first story during February. Thank you to everyone who gave with heart over the holiday season. We saw an incredible tally for GivingTuesday and despite the postal strike saw a huge influx in online donations. And since we are a few years into these newsletters now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the days are getting longer.
Wishing you all good things for 2025, and all in good health
Much Love, Lianne