Talking heart health in Waterloo Region helps prevent deaths
Posted May 29, 2026 02:17:04 PM.
Last Updated May 29, 2026 03:00:00 PM.
Thousands of Canadians continue to die from heart disease each year, but research has shown that preventative care can reduce those numbers.
According to the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), roughly 80 per cent of premature heart disease is preventable if caught early. That’s the emphasis behind RedDAY, the annual awareness and fundraising campaign presented by Manulife in partnership with WRHN.
RedDay began as a partnership between Manulife and St. Mary’s General Hospital back in 2012. Since then, over $4 million has been contributed to cardiac care in Waterloo Region.
It’s led to the creation of the PREVENT Clinic at WRHN, which aims to identify and reduce risk factors for heart disease. PREVENT stands for: Prevention Not Events.
New this year, supporters will be able to participate in the first Manulife RedDAY Walk. Participants can sign up for either a one or three-kilometer walk through Kitchener and Waterloo. It’s a fitting event because a significant portion of the work done at the PREVENT Clinic is helping people make lifestyle changes to lower a patient’s risk of heart disease — like adding an exercise routine.
Dr. Heather Warren, VP, Medical and Academic Affairs, WRHN, was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and explained how the focus has shifted from cardiac care to prevention in recent years.
“We used to say that the best heart attack was the one that got to the hospital quickly. We’ve changed our tune now. The best heart attack is the one that we prevent from happening in the first place,” she said.
Dr. Warren went on to explain why prevention can be a literal lifesaver, especially for women.
“Heart disease claims more women in Canada than the top three cancers combined. But we don’t generally think of it as being a women’s health issue as well. So, the PREVENT Clinic has been really supportive of getting those women identified and getting those risk factors modified.”
Dr. Warren said getting the word out and talking about heart health and women’s heart health continues to be a key component to reducing heart disease related deaths.
Once again this year, Manulife has pledged to match all donations up to $200,000.
The Manulife RedDAY Walk will take to the streets of Uptown Waterloo on Saturday, June 6.
Registration is free. Sign-up at redday.ca.
