February is Heart Month
February is Heart Month, a time when Manitobans are encouraged to pause and take stock of their heart and brain health. This year, Heart & Stroke is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke—risks that are more common than many people realize. In fact, 9 in 10 Manitobans have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke.
To help individuals understand these risks, Heart & Stroke offers a free, online Risk Screen tool, which provides a personalized action plan based on lifestyle factors, medical history, age, sex, and women’s life stages, including pregnancy and menopause.
For more information, you can also review the newly released 2026 Heart Month Report: The state of risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Canada or contact Heart and Stroke directly at 204-926-3132 or email: [email protected].
In Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), Primary Care offers a regional Heart Program that provides ongoing education, support, and encouragement to clients following a cardiac event or diagnosis. Our program offers 1:1 education for clients with a variety of heart conditions and those recovering after heart surgery. We also offer group classes every Tuesday, 1:30–3:00 p.m that can be accessed in-person in Brandon or virtually from the comfort of your own home. Topics include: The Heart, Nutrition, Exercise, Stress & Coping, and Heart Medications. Each session is facilitated by clinical staff with expertise on the topic. Referrals to this program are accepted from healthcare providers and through self-referral. If you are uncertain if this program is right for you and want to learn more, contact the PMH Heart Program at 204-578-4225 or 204-578-4204.
In addition to cardiac specific education, our Chronic Disease Education Program and Health Promotion Team also offer a variety of group classes that support heart health at a broader level; including such topics as nutrition, blood pressure and cholesterol management. Get Better Together supports those living with health conditions to better manage their health through group support and discussions. Commit to Quit and the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling programs provide education and counselling for people interested in quitting smoking. To learn more about any of these offerings, you can follow the links or call 1-877-509-7852.
For families looking to get active and learn more about heart health, the 2026 Mega Heart Event is coming up on February 22, 2026 from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Wellness Institute, 1075 Leila Ave, Winnipeg, MB. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring walks, Zumba, CPR demos, science activities, health booths, and more for young and old.
In honour of Heart Month, we encourage everyone to take one step this February toward better heart health: try using the online Risk Screen tool, check out a link in the article above, add a walk into your week, cook a heart‑healthy meal, or start a conversation with a family member about risk factors.
Every step counts — and together, we can build a heart‑healthier Manitoba.