Local paramedics are raising awareness about the risks associated with heart disease and stroke. MedavieĀ EMS Ontario’s Public Relations Coordinator Stuart McKinnon says cardiac calls are one of the most frequent call types for Muskoka’s paramedics and one of the most common causes of death in Canada.
Someone dies from heart disease or stroke every seven minutes and 90 percent of the population has at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke. Paramedics encourage you to look for these factors and make healthier lifestyle choices. Some factors include: High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and stress. If you can change just one factor, you can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.