The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 10 ,2 02 2 | 24 CELEBRATING ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS YMCAOFOAKVILLE.ORGAsk for John www.jmcconcrete.ca905-878-8595 J.M.CJ.M.C Concrete Interlocking LTD • stamped concrete • interlocking • exposed aggregate • flagstone • french curbs • retainingwalls • garage floors • free estimates 476 Kerr Street (just south of Speers Road) 905-845-2933 www.oakvilleappliance.com February isheart MONTH According to Health Canada, as many as 11 million Canadians are experiencing high stress levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since February is Heart Month, here's a look at the impact of stress on heart health and what you can do to manage it. How stress affects your Heart Sudden intense stress causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can trigger a heart attack, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or risk factors for heart disease. While the effects aren't as immediate, chronic stress can also put a strain on your heart, elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Fortunately, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, nearly 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke cases can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including proper stress management. HealtHy ways to manage stress Many people smoke, drink alcohol or eat junk food as a way to cope with stress. Unfortunately, these behaviours have a negative effect on your heart health. Here are some healthy ways to lower your stress level: •Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night •Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day •Spend time with friends and family members •Practise yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises •Find creative outlets such as journaling or painting •Regularly visit parks, beaches, hiking trails and other natural settings •Take breaks from using social media •Speak with a mental health professional For more information about how to reduce your risk of heart disease, visit heartandstroke.ca. Heart health: the importance of stress management