The Heart and Stroke Foundation has designated February as "Heart Month.” It's a subject of very personal importance to me. I lost my father to a heart attack when he was only 41, and my husband, Greg, suffered a heart attack a few years ago. Neither of them had a medical history of heart problems or exhibited any symptoms. We hear all the time about people whose lives have been derailed by a heart attack. Sometimes it's only when it hits close to home that you stop and think: Could this happen to me or my loved ones?
Our new senior health editor, Brett Walther, made some shocking discoveries when he interviewed Brendan Dunklee, the energetic fitness instructor featured in our story "The Unusual Suspect”. Here's a guy who is young and fit, went for checkups regularly and had just recently passed a heart fitness test. So how did Brendan end up in a cardiac crisis at age 36? One word: stress. Many of us can relate to Brendan's story.
When the CBC went searching across the country for a town full of Canadians who wanted to shed pounds, get in shape and pump up their passion for healthy living, they found it in Taylor, B.C. The documentary series "Village on a Diet” (which airs on CBC-TV starting Jan. 3) is part of Live Right Now, CBC's countrywide, cross-platform health-and-fitness campaign, which is motivating all Canadians to embrace healthier lifestyles – now. Meet some of the courageous Taylor townsfolk who turned their lives around – and get inspired to do the same. See how the Canadian Living team has stepped up to the plate in the Million Pound Challenge, another part of the Live Right Now campaign. We urge you to do the same with your family, friends and coworkers.
In this issue, you'll also find a calendar, "28 Days to a Healthier Heart”, which will help you get your ticker in top condition.
In celebration of Valentine's Day, Doris Montanera gives couples the goods on how to keep the passion flowing in "Spousal Arousal”. Families and friends can share the love with a Valentine's Day menu. And we've got some indulgent pick-me-ups just for you in "24 Ways to Love Yourself”.
I, for one, am signing up online for our Sexy Boot Camp. Sign up for free today, and starting Jan. 3 you'll receive six weeks of daily e-newsletters featuring more than 200 tips and ideas for losing those holiday pounds, shaking the winter blahs and getting fit, fab and foxy (well, I'm not sure I fit under that category) in time for Valentine's Day!
Live, love and be happy.
– Susan Antonacci
