Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most of us know February is Valentine’s Day month, but it is also Heart Month. The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and similar organizations around the world recognize Heart Month every February. It is an opportunity to raise funds for life-giving research and to alert people to the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Our hearts and bodies are fragile and need to be looked after. Every seven minutes someone dies as a result of heart disease and stroke. Ninety percent of Canadians have at least one risk factor. Poor nutrition, stress, lack of exercise, smoking and too much alcohol all increase risks. It is important for people to know that there is a lot they can do to protect their own health. The choices we make today can affect our future, not only how long we live, but also whether we spend our last years in sickness and disease.

Most, or all of us probably, have known elders who spent their whole lives working hard and eating traditional food, and in their 80s or even 90s they’re still out there cutting their own firewood and looking after themselves. Some of them could probably outrun people 60 or 70 years younger than them. It really concerns me when I see our youth smoking, eating junk food and spending hours a day on TV and video games. The traditional Dene lifestyle is a very healthy one and we can learn a lot from our people who live that way.

I encourage everyone to make a commitment this month to cut down at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. People can make their homes junk food free zones, maybe go for a long walk every day with your valentine. Just start somewhere.

There are some health issues that we cannot control, but when it comes to heart disease and stroke, our own choices do make a big difference. I wish all my constituents and people across the NWT success with whatever changes they make to reduce their risk of heart disease and a strong and happy, healthy Heart Month. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.