To raise awareness about cardiovascular health in pregnancy, Dr. Karen Fleming and several other Sunnybrook physicians and former patients entered a team in the Toronto GoodLife Marathon on May 4, 2014. Pictured: Dr. Dini Hui, Dr. Janet Bodley, Dr. Betty Chen and Dr. Fleming, together with former patients Elizabeth Seger and Melanie Chryssafis. Learn more about cardiovascular health after pregnancy on Sunnybrook’s website.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he days are getting longer and temperatures are consistently into the double digits- May is the perfect month to come out of hibernation and get back into an exercise routine! Exercise is, after all, one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So, it’s probably no coincidence that May is “Exercise is Medicine” Month.

Most Canadians are not meeting their physical activity guidelines, according to Dr. Karen Fleming, including pregnant women and new moms. “We want to make sure women are as active as they can be,” says Dr. Fleming, a family physician at Sunnybrook who started the 4P Clinic earlier this year. The first of its kind in Toronto, the clinic aims to help new moms lower their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Fleming says “a prescription for exercise is often as effective, if not better than, a prescription for medication when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease.” See the infographic below for more information and tips on reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease:

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May is Exercise is Medicine Month

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke.

Only 5% of Canadian adults get 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week.

Cardiovascular disease can affect men and women at any age. But, women who experienced certain complications during pregnancy, like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, are at higher risk of strokes, heart attacks and Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

30 minutes of physical activity, 4 to 6 times a week, keeps the heart strong and can prevent cardiovascular disease

In addition to exercise, other steps can be taken to reduce your risk:

Losing weight: Getting 150 minutes of exercise per week is an important part of losing weight. Even exercising in 10 minute bursts is beneficial

Eating healthy: A diet that is low in fat and sodium, and rich in fruit, vegetables and dairy products helps to manage blood pressure, diabetes and a healthy body weight

Quitting smoking: Smokers are at greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels

Using medication: Taking medications as prescribed is essential to managing certain cardiovascular risk factors

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