A supportive nutritional supplement for doctor recommended diet and exercise plans that is designed for cardiovascular health. Cardioflex Q1O is a unique blend of vitamins and amino proteins taken daily as supportive natural therapy to enrich cardiovascular health, establish cholesterol balance, and reduce CRP (C-reactive protein). Strengthen the cardiovascular system. Dissolve atherosclerotic plaque. Relieve the pain of angina pectoris (chest pain). Reduce the likelihood of blood clotting, heart attack or stroke. Increase heart and other muscle strength and stamina. Reduce blood and tissue lipids (fats) and cholesterol. Reduce C-reactive protein (CRP indicates artery inflammation) as well as homocysteine levels. Increase antioxidant intake and activity to slow aging. Help natural immunity against viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Reduce hypertension and improve overall circulation. Manitoba Made, Innotech Nutrition product.

Nutrition Plus, www.nutritionplus.com

Need a quick pick-me-up that’s loaded with protein, fibre, and is a little bit sweet?  Try a Chocolate Hemp Snacker.  Hemp Snackers are the innovative crunchy macaroon-like energy bar listing organic hemp seed as the #1 ingredient.  Full of protein, fibre, Omega 3’s and 6’s, inulin, antioxidants, and magnesium, they’re a snack you can feel good about eating.  Because they’re dehydrated at low temperatures rather than baked, they’re crunchy and easy for your body to digest. We chose organic Canadian maple sugar to sweeten them with, both for the unique flavour as well as the nutritional benefits. Only 150 Calories per one bar.

Natalie Dueck, www.rawnata.com

Today, heart disease and stroke take one life every 7 minutes and 90% of Canadians have at least one risk factor. Cardiovascular disease is caused by controllable and non-controllable risk factors. Controllable risk factors would include smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity. Non-controllable risk factors being age, gender and heredity. Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include squeezing chest pain, problems breathing, and pale or bluish skin. It is important to know that not everyone will experience chest pain during a heart attack. Women (and some men), people with diabetes and the elderly can experience what we call “soft signs” which can include mild, unfocused chest discomfort, tiredness, gastric discomfort and flu-like symptoms. It is strongly recommended to attend a First Aid, CPR and AED certification course to be able to properly identify and attend to emergency situations should they arise.

Yvonne Harder, www.eastmansafety.ca

1. Parabens: Widely used as low-cost synthetic preservatives. They have been linked to cancer, and having an estrogenic effect.

2. Phthalates: Very toxic ingredients that aid in skincare absorption. Classified as “probable human carcinogens” by the EPA.

3. Petrochemicals: Many household cleaning products are loaded with petrochemicals, and this is linked to the rise in cancer and other diseases.

4. Cosmetic Fragrance: Artificial fragrances are made from petroleum which can cause skin irritations.

5. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate: The second most concentrated ingredient in shampoos and soaps. Also used in car wash detergents. In sufficient amounts, SLS is capable of changing the information in your genetic makeup. Read your labels – the FDA requires that label ingredients are listed in the order of highest concentrations – meaning that the highest level of ingredients are listed first.