On a frigid afternoon on December 30, 1986, a bus carrying the Swift Current Broncos, then a Western Hockey League junior team, left downtown Swift Current bound for Regina. Four kilometres down the highway, the bus skidded on black ice, slipped into a ditch and flipped. In an instant, four young players — Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka and Brent Ruff — were killed.

Four decades later, the tragedy remains largely unknown in this country. Especially among younger Canadians and hockey fans who might only know of the equally tragic 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. But for those who lived it, the players, their families, their billets and the small Saskatchewan community of Swift Current, it changed everything.

Today, a 40 year old story is being told anew through Sideways: a 2025 documentary produced by Calgary filmmaker Shayne Putzlocher. It follows the personal journey of bus crash survivor Bob Wilkie. Wilkie went on to play in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers in the early 1990s. But as Sideways reveals, the crash and the silence that followed haunted Wilkie and his teammates for decades.

“It affected us all in so many different ways that it ruined relationships. It blurred futures. It took a lot of people into a dark place that some never recovered, unfortunately, because we didn’t know how to do that,” Wilkie told CBC News in late 2025.

A tragedy without a playbook

Wilkie was 17 years old at the time of the crash. Like many young hockey players he was living far from home, billeted in Swift Current and chasing the dream of being drafted to the NHL. He recalls the surreal speed at which life moved in the aftermath of the bus crash.

“We were playing 10 days later so it was a really quick turnaround from this awful incident to ‘okay, it’s time to get back at it.’ And a lot of us were trying to get drafted that year,” said Wilkie in an interview. There was plenty of shock, grief and tears. But he said there were no formal supports: no sports psychologists, no trauma specialists and no crisis interventions.

At the time, the Broncos were coached by Graham James, the now-disgraced hockey coach later convicted of sexually assaulting players in the 1980s and 1990s. The documentary reveals that after the crash James insisted the team didn’t need counselling.

In Wilkie’s mind, the lack of mental health supports reflected an era when therapy was stigmatized and emotional expression among boys was frowned upon. This went alongside the even darker reality surrounding James’ motivation to cover up his own criminal acts.

“In the 1980s, going to see a psychologist meant you were crazy,” said Wilkie. “But [James] was hiding this secret of molesting members of our team. When you’re a predator, the last thing you’re going to do is allow any outside influence.”  And so, the players soldiered on, united in grief but isolated in pain.

The long shadow

During that grim winter and into the years that followed, Wilkie and his teammates were caught between expectation and devastation. They were told to be resilient before anyone ever explained to them what resilience really meant.

Some turned to alcohol. Others shut down emotionally. For Wilkie, the trauma followed him through junior hockey into professional ranks. “I was playing in the NHL and I just couldn’t get rid of these feelings,” he said. “The drinking was completely out of control and that’s where the suicidal ideation started.”

Being alone was unbearable for Wilkie. Sleep brought nightmares and panic attacks emerged every time he boarded a bus in bad weather. And like with so many men (especially athletes raised to be stoic) he struggled to articulate what was happening inside his head.

“Those around me could see this change in my behaviour, but they didn’t know how to start the conversation with me,” Wilkie said.  The players shared an unspoken truth. The crash had turned boys into men overnight, but left them emotionally stranded for decades.

Why we didn’t hear about it

Despite its magnitude, the Swift Current bus crash didn’t become a part of Canadian hockey lore. Shayne Putzlocher believes that’s because the sexual abuse scandal that later engulfed coach Graham James overshadowed everything else.

“Everybody only talks about the Graham James stuff and nobody talks about what this community actually went through,” said Putzlocher who has produced over 40 films and 200 TV episodes. The veteran film producer points out there were 20 other people on that bus, yet for years distribution companies, federal funders and broadcasters rejected Putzlocher’s attempts to make a feature film out of it.

“I got turned away everywhere…they didn’t think it was relevant or that there was a big enough audience for it,” he recalled in an interview. Only after repeated setbacks did Putzlocher pivot to a documentary format – his first ever as a film producer. Even then, he only did it because he felt the story needed to be told regardless of profitability.

A documentary about mental health, not just hockey

When Putzlocher approached Wilkie in 2021about becoming the emotional centrepiece of the film, Wilkie initially hesitated. “I don’t know if I want to put myself out there in the world,” he told Putzlocher. But Wilkie also knew what a documentary could do for men and boys in a positive way and eventually agreed.

What emerged after four years of tireless work isn’t just a hockey documentary; it’s also a mental health film rooted in masculinity and silence. It chronicles Wilkie and fellow survivor Peter Soberlak processing the death of teammate Chris Mantyka on the bus. It also follows Wilkie through the NHL, through the depths of depression, addiction, fatherhood and eventually into wellness coaching through an organization he founded in 2008, I Got Mind.

Sideways also bridges past and present by connecting survivors from the 1986 Swift Current bus crash to survivors and families of the Humboldt crash in 2018. The film highlights how the 1986 survivors used their own long-term experiences with trauma and lack of mental health supports to assist the Humboldt community in a moment of need. And it’s a moment Wilkie describes as crucial for his own healing. “It taught me how resilient we can be.” 

The cost of silence and the power of conversation

For Putzlocher, the most powerful reaction has come from audiences who have seen Sideways on tour. “It opens your mind to feel comfortable starting the conversation before it’s too late,” he said, recounting the story of a parent who spoke publicly about their child’s suicide after a screening.

That, he believes, is the point. Young men in Canada are disproportionately affected by suicide and mental health challenges. According to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, men are three times more likely to die by suicide, yet less likely to seek help.

Wilkie knows this firsthand: what saved his life wasn’t a miracle, but human connection. Meeting someone he loved, becoming a father and slowly beginning to talk. “Love started to happen and that really opened things up,” he said. But healing didn’t happen overnight; it took Wilkie more than 20 years to begin making peace with what happened on that highway.

A message for men — especially young ones

For boys and men who watch the documentary, Wilkie hopes the message is clear: you are not weak for struggling and you are not broken for needing help.

 “When someone can get serious about healing and overcoming, it has a significant impact on all those people around them too,” Wilkie said. Putzlocher puts it more bluntly. “It’s not what’s wrong with them – it’s what happened to them.”

For the boys of Swift Current, what happened on that ill-fated day in 1986 was unthinkable. But through Sideways, Wilkie and Putzlocher are ensuring that what followed – the silence, depression, drinking, suicidal thoughts and the resilience and healing – is finally spoken aloud.

For countless Canadian men and boys facing silent battles of their own, that conversation could be life-changing and-life saving too.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8: Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To learn more about the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), its programming and advocacy, visit CASP’s website.

We hear a lot about heart health in terms of workouts, cholesterol numbers and what’s on our plates. And for good reason. Those things matter. But there’s another factor that quietly shapes heart health every day, often without us noticing: the connections we make with others.

Who we spend time with. How supported we feel. Whether we feel seen, heard, or completely on our own.

You can be busy, productive, and surrounded by people and still feel disconnected. A lot of men do. According to CMHF research, about 50% of men are at risk of social isolation. That’s not a personal failure. It’s what happens when work, stress, and life slowly shrink your world.

And here’s the part most guys don’t realize: your heart feels that disconnection even when you don’t consciously notice it.

As a Registered Social Worker and the Clinical Director of Counselling Services at TELUS Health MyCare™, I see this all the time. Loneliness doesn’t always look like being alone. It often looks like being the guy who’s “fine,” who keeps going, who shows up for everyone else but doesn’t feel truly supported or understood.

Over time, that quiet, chronic disconnection becomes a physical stress on the body. Including on your heart.

Why loneliness becomes a physical health problem

Loneliness often flies under the radar because it doesn’t come with obvious symptoms. But your body feels it. 

Chronic disconnection keeps your stress system switched on. That affects blood pressure, increases inflammation, disrupts sleep, and makes recovery from illness harder.

Most of us don’t think about relationships the same way we think about exercise or diet. But physiologically, they belong in the same category.

Chronic loneliness and ongoing relationship stress increase stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are helpful in short bursts. They help you react to danger. But when they stay elevated for weeks, months, or years, they quietly wear down your cardiovascular system.

Blood pressure rises. Inflammation increases. The heart works harder than it needs to.

Research has linked social isolation to higher risks of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. In some studies loneliness is associated with a 60-70% increase in risk of early death, and roughly 30% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. That puts it in the same conversation as other major health risk factors.

What matters most isn’t how many people you know. It’s whether you feel connected. Feeling alone in a room full of people still counts. Your nervous system doesn’t care about headcount. It cares about safety and support.

Supportive relationships change how your body handles stress

Strong relationships help regulate stress. They’re linked to better sleep, better emotional regulation, healthier habits, and stronger recovery after illness.

New research from the Ottawa Heart Institute shows that emotional and social support play a meaningful role in heart disease recovery. Patients with stronger support systems tend to recover better, both mentally and physically.

This isn’t about being married or having a huge social circle. As is the case with many things, quality matters more than quantity or status.

What “connection” really means

When we talk about relationships most people jump straight to romantic partners, but connection is broader than that. It has layers, and all of them matter.

The outer layer: Everyday human contact

These are the small, low-stakes interactions we often overlook: saying hello to a neighbour, chatting with a barista, exchanging a few words with a cashier. They might seem insignificant, but they help reduce feelings of isolation and gently regulate stress. They remind your nervous system that you’re part of the world, not separate from it. 

Examples:

• Saying hello instead of staying silent
• Choosing a brief conversation over total convenience
• Getting out of the house when you can

You don’t need deep conversations every day. Sometimes being acknowledged is enough.

The middle layer: Casual but meaningful relationships

This is about work colleagues, fitness classes, hobby groups, and neighbours. These relationships offer belonging without heavy emotional pressure. They’re places to practice connection and vulnerability with boundaries. 

Examples:

• Coffee with a coworker
• Joining a recreational league or class
• Showing up regularly to a group tied to something you enjoy

These connections build confidence, routine, and a sense of “I belong somewhere.”

The inner layer: Close relationships

This is your inner circle. Partners, close friends, family. 

These relationships carry the most emotional weight, which means they can be the most supportive, but also the most stressful.

Conflict, disconnection, or unresolved tension here has a stronger impact on stress and heart health. But so does care, safety and repair.

Remember though, these relationships don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Repair matters more than never having conflict.

Three ways to be a better partner or friend

Relationship stress affects heart health. But so does how we handle that stress. The way we communicate, listen and show up affects both emotional safety and physical stress responses. Small skills can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to show up better for the people you care about.

Listen without fixing

When someone opens up, most of us jump straight into problem-solving. It’s usually well intended, but often unnecessary. 

Being listened to calms the nervous system. Being dismissed or rushed into solutions can do the opposite. 

Try:

• “That sounds really hard.”
• “I hear you.”
• “Do you want help, or do you just want me to listen?”

Listening isn’t passive. It’s supportive.

Be present (phones down)

Being physically there isn’t the same as being present. Phones interrupt connection and emotional regulation more than most of us realize. 

A few practical ways to be more present:

• Have tech-free meals
• Put your phone away during conversations
• Choose a phone call over a text for emotional topics

Presence builds trust. Trust reduces stress.

Understand how the other person feels supported

People feel cared for in different ways: words, time, actions, gifts, or physical affection. When those signals don’t line up, stress and resentment can build even when both people are trying. 

The fix isn’t guessing. It’s asking.

What makes the other person feel supported might not be what comes naturally to you, and that’s okay. 

Learn more about love languages here.

Small steps make relationships stronger (and your heart steadier)

Connection doesn’t require grand gestures. Relationships stretch, strain, and repair over time. 

What matters most is consistency. 

Small actions add up:

• Asking for time, support, or a hug
• Checking in emotionally
• Making time for real conversations

Asking for what you need is a skill. And skills can be learned.

You’re not broken. You’re human.

Strong relationships aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, repairing when things feel off and staying open.

Connection protects both mental and physical health. Feeling disconnected doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re human.

And even one small point of connection — one conversation, one check-in, one moment of being seen — can make a difference for your heart.

Want to keep the conversation going?

If this hit close to home, you’re not the only one. If you feel comfortable, share what connection looks like in your life right now in the comments below. Even a short note can help someone else feel less alone.

I’ve won two Paralympic gold medals. I’ve set records. I’ve stood on podiums and heard anthems play, but the hardest work I’ve ever done wasn’t in the throwing circle. It was learning to love myself.

Thirty-nine years ago, I was born with one arm. My parents had a decision to make right off the bat; how were they going to raise this child? They had my older brother who doesn’t have any form of disability, which made their decision simple — just raise me like him.

There’s no written script on how to be a parent. They raised me the best they could. But deep down I was thinking, “I’m being treated the same but I don’t quite feel the same. Internally, something’s not right.”

That feeling of disconnect between how the world saw me and how I felt inside became the foundation for everything I do today. Which is why I’m now a Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation.

Listen to Greg chat with hosts Mike and Trevor on the Don’t Change Much podcast

The identity crisis nobody talks about

Before I became a shot putter I played all kinds of sports. Five seasons of able-bodied basketball at Thompson Rivers University and was named USport Defensive Player of the Year in my final season. I won three world titles with Canada’s standing volleyball team. I earned bronze medals at two Parapan American Games in sitting volleyball.

I could do it all. But something was missing.

My identity was completely attached to being an athlete. For a few years, I was lost to the point where I thought, “I want to feel better. I don’t want to be stuck like this because life sucks.” It didn’t matter what I was doing. I never felt a sense of fulfillment, never felt connected within. I was just tired.

So I got help, and I went to therapy.

I started understanding my emotions. Learning to identify and sit with my main emotions: fear, guilt, anger, sadness, and love. I still see a counsellor regularly.

That’s when I started to learn that love comes from within so that you can project it outwards. And that’s when my mental health journey really started.

The shot that changed everything

Back in 2017, I picked up the shot put for the first time under coach Dylan Armstrong, an Olympic medalist. His first words to me were simple. “I will coach you. No problem. You just have to show up.”

That hit me hard. Show up. That’s it.

By 2018 I was ranked number one in the world. At Tokyo 2020, my first throw of 16.75 meters set a Paralympic record and earned me gold. At Paris 2024, I defended that title with a throw of 16.38 meters. And just recently, I won my first world title at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

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Shot put became a challenge I wasn’t expecting. It’s a space where it’s 100% on me. In team sports you can say, “I’m having a bad game, just sub me off.” But when I started throwing, there was no one else to blame. If I had a bad practice, that was on me.

The more I showed up and did the work in the throwing circle, the more I started to recognize I needed to do that work everywhere else too. At home, in my relationships, in how I was waking up each day and in how I was presenting myself to other people.

I walked away. Then I came back.

I announced my retirement in 2022. I was in physical pain and wanted a change. But just over a year later, I came back.

Why? Because I felt discomfort from being disconnected from the sport I loved. It wasn’t about missing the medals or the attention. It was about purpose. Connection. The thing that made me feel alive.

That decision to return wasn’t about ego. It was about ownership. One of the three core principles I now teach through my brand, The Mindfulete.

Ownership, trust, and integrity: My framework for life

Everything I teach comes down to three things: Ownership, Trust, and Integrity. OTI for short.

Ownership

Means taking responsibility for your emotions and actions. Not blaming your circumstances on others when things go sideways. Instead, it’s what role did I play here?

Before I did this work, drama was a normal thing in my life. It still happens, but I don’t experience it as much because it’s not something I own anymore. It’s not the present part of my story.

Trust

As in trust yourself. That means your instincts, your process, your ability to handle whatever comes. If you don’t trust yourself, how do you know how it feels to trust other people?

Integrity

Align your actions with your values. Living authentically even when it’s hard. Do I show up for myself? How can you show up for others if you don’t for yourself?

When you put all three together something powerful happens. You become vulnerable, and that’s where real connection and growth live.

The hardest question I ask men

Something I wonder all the time is who’s telling us that we’re not supposed to share?

Who’s telling us that as a man, you’re not allowed to share, you have to hold it all in, you have to be the sole provider? The more I’ve done this work, the more I realize those ideas can get lost, and my life has been happier for it.

There’s this idea of toughness where it asks how much pressure can I load into this vessel, this body of mine, and carry it without exploding? For me, toughness is really about how uncomfortable I can get and work through it.

If you wanna be tough then being a man and talking about it is harder than holding it in. And tough guys are supposed to do the tough things.

The simple tools that changed my life

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: find professional support. Find a counsellor or therapist. These people work in this profession for a reason, and they’re there to support you.

The other simple tool we often forget is to breathe. I’ve completed an eight-month Breath Practitioner training program. Through there, I learned that when you’re experiencing the worst life tries to throw at you, stop and take a deep breath. A long breath in, long breath out. It allows you to be present.

I lead most of my talks with two minutes of silence. If you can allow yourself to experience this moment then you’re going to experience a lot more incredible ones, too.

What I’ve learned about love

For me to say “I love me”… that’s selfish. Right? You can’t talk about yourself. As a man you’re here to protect, you’re here to support. But if I’m not protecting and supporting myself, how the hell am I going to protect and support somebody else?

The more I’ve learned to love myself, the more I’ve been able to extend that love outward. I’m confident and loving within, and people respond to that. It doesn’t matter how you look or what your circumstances are. When you love yourself, you create safety for others.

I think I’m on this earth to create support, and a sense of belonging. To help people recognize that no matter who they are or what their outcomes are, they are worthy of love.

And love is always there. You just have to be willing to see it.

Want to learn more about Greg’s journey? Check out his children’s book, Stand Out: The True Story of Paralympic Gold Medallist Greg Stewart. You can also explore his mental health resources and coaching at The Mindfulete, or follow him on Instagram @greg_r_stewart. If   you’re looking for someone to inspire you, Greg’s got a heart the size of his build.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2024 and was updated to improve clarity around risk factors, screening recommendations, and the connection between heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in Canada, but it’s largely preventable. With proper screening and lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Think of your heart as the engine of your body. Just like a car engine keeps everything running smoothly, your heart pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed. But just like an engine, your heart needs regular maintenance and the right fuel to stay in top shape. When blood vessels become inflamed, they restrict flow, leading to problems like heart attacks and strokes.

As a cardiac surgeon, I see the effects of these “engine breakdowns” far too often in Canadian men, many of whom could have prevented them with a few lifestyle changes. In Canada, someone dies every five minutes from heart conditions, stroke or related conditions. Nine out of ten people are living with at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 

In this article, I’ll explain why heart disease and stroke are so closely linked, outline the main risk factors, and share steps you can take to keep your “engine” running smoothly for years to come. Taking control now can reduce your risk and help you enjoy a healthier, longer life.

How heart attacks and strokes are connected

Heart attacks and strokes are both caused by blocked blood vessels and often share the same root causes. Your heart is essentially a pump that keeps blood moving through your body. It requires a steady supply of fuel to keep running. In this case, that “fuel” is oxygen-rich blood, which delivers oxygen to your heart through blood vessels. 

When issues like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking cause inflammation in those blood vessels—a condition called atherosclerosis—they can become blocked. This blockage restricts blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term that includes both heart attacks and strokes because they impact the same system: your blood vessels. If blood flow to the heart is cut off, it results in a heart attack. If it’s cut off to the brain, it results in a stroke. 

These systemic issues affect multiple organs, not just the heart or brain. However, the heart is usually the first to react to a lack of oxygen going into the organs.

Key risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Knowing your risk level for heart disease and stroke can be life-saving. Since many of these factors are modifiable through lifestyle changes, making the necessary changes that have the most impact on you will give you some control over your heart health.

Here are the main risk factors:

Being a man over 40

Men face a higher risk of heart disease than women, especially at younger ages. Hormones offer some protection to women until menopause, after which their risk starts to catch up. However, the risk begins earlier for men, typically in the 40s, and grows with age.

Family history

Genetics play a huge role. If someone in your family had a heart attack at a young age (for example, before age 55 in men or 65 in women), you should start screening for cholesterol and blood pressure as early as your 20s.

High blood pressure

Untreated high blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause wear and tear on your arteries over time. This damage can restrict or block blood flow, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, so regular monitoring is essential.

Diabetes

Diabetes, especially type 2, significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Poorly managed diabetes leads to higher blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels. Diabetes often occurs with other risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol, compounding the risk.

Smoking

This is one of the most significant risk factors that you can control. Smoking damages the lining of your blood vessels, making them more susceptible to blockages. If you smoke, quitting will drastically reduce your risk and is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make.

Poor diet and inactivity

A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with a lack of physical activity, can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which contribute to cardiovascular disease. 

Excessive alcohol use

Excessive alcohol can cause high blood pressure, increase triglycerides and raise cholesterol to unhealthy levels in your blood, which often leads to heart disease. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health states that seven or more drinks per week significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Can you have a heart attack without knowing?

For most men, a heart attack feels like what you’ve seen in the movies—sudden chest pain, discomfort in the left arm, or shortness of breath. However, not all heart attacks are this obvious. Some can appear as heartburn, fatigue, or even a “silent” heart attack, where there are no symptoms at all. However, less common overall, silent heart attacks tend to occur more often in women. It’s still important for men to be aware of them, especially if you have other risk factors.

Even if you feel fine, if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, it’s worth getting screened.

When to call 9-1-1
Call emergency services right away if you have chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes, pain that spreads to your arm, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, or sudden nausea, sweating, or light-headedness.

Does stress increase the risk of a heart attack?

One of the questions I often get from patients is whether stress alone can trigger a heart attack. The answer is a bit nuanced. While stress itself doesn’t directly cause a heart attack, chronic stress can increase your risk over time can by raising blood pressure and inflammation. Here’s how it works.

When you’re under stress, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This response releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which raise your heart rate and blood pressure. In the short term, this can help manage immediate challenges. However, when stress becomes chronic, these repeated surges of adrenaline and elevated blood pressure place additional strain on your heart and blood vessels.

Over time, chronic stress can contribute to several known risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, inflammation and unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, or a sedentary lifestyle.

So, while stress alone is not a direct cause of heart attacks, its effects on the body create an environment where heart disease can develop or worsen. 

How to prevent a heart attack

Here’s what I recommend as a cardiac surgeon:

Get screened regularly

If you have any of the risk factors listed above, start screening in your 20s. Otherwise, starting at 40, regularly monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Early detection gives you more options for managing risk factors before they lead to severe problems.

Quit smoking

This is one of the most impactful lifestyle changes you can make. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and impacts lung health and overall well-being. Within 24 hours of quitting, your risk of heart attack starts to decrease.

Stay active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Physical activity improves heart health, lowers stress, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Everyday activities like walking the dog, doing chores around the house, or playing with your kids all count as exercise.

Choose heart-healthy foods

Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. Avoid processed foods, limit added sugars, and reduce unhealthy fats. A Mediterranean-style diet—rich in fish, nuts, and olive oil—has been shown to benefit heart health.

Manage stress

Chronic stress isn’t good for your body or your mind. Find stress management techniques that work for you, whether yoga, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking time to unwind each day.

Using technology to track your heart health

Today, wearable technology like smartwatches makes it easier to stay aware of your health. Many devices can monitor your heart rate, count steps, and even take an ECG (electrocardiogram) to check for irregular heartbeats. 

Some devices track your oxygen levels or alert you if your heart rate is irregular. While these tools aren’t substitutes for medical checkups, they’re valuable for raising awareness and helping you stay motivated to make heart-healthy choices.

One feature I find particularly useful is the ability to track activity and set daily movement goals. You can even compete with family and friends, making it a fun and social way to stay active. In the future, these devices may become even more advanced, potentially helping to detect early signs of heart disease.

Final thoughts

Heart attacks and strokes can often be prevented through early screening and healthy lifestyle changes. It’s never too early or too late to make simple changes that will lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The best way to prevent a heart attack or stroke is to:

• Get screened regularly. If heart disease runs in your family or you’re over 40, start tracking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—even if you feel fine. These three things are key to cardiovascular health.
• Make small, lasting changes to your daily routine. Exercise regularly, eat well, manage stress, and quit smoking if you haven’t already.
• Be proactive, even if you feel fine. Prevention starts before symptoms appear.

If there’s one message I hope to leave with you, it’s this: Don’t wait until something goes wrong to start taking care of your cardiovascular health. The sooner you start, the better your future will look. 

Are there any heart health topics you’d like to see us cover? Leave us a comment below or email your suggestions to [email protected].

Young men are experiencing problem anger at unprecedented levels. That’s the key finding of a new national study from the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation. The study finds that half of Canadian men under 30 are at risk of levels of anger frequent or intense enough to damage relationships and daily life. Problem anger occurs when anger interferes with daily life, relationships, and work. 

The same study finds that four in 10 men under 30 wanted to hit someone when angry in the past month. These findings point to a generation of young men wrestling with emotions they were never taught to name – let alone regulate.

“It’s a global issue and it’s deepening,” says Dr. David Kuhl, President & Co-Founder of Blueprint, a non-profit society that recently merged with the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation to deliver research-backed mental health programs for men, families and communities. “Men today are grappling with geopolitical uncertainty, economic challenges, job insecurity and the rising cost of housing – all while trying to live up to shifting norms of masculinity.”

A Hidden Epidemic

Darlene Mathews is a Victoria, BC-based registered social worker with five decades of experience in what she describes as the ‘helping professions.’ “We still raise boys to be stoic and self-contained. But anger is almost always a second emotion: it sits on top of something deeper like shame, fear or hurt,” she explains.

Mathews has spent much of the past decade working with more than 600 men convicted of violence-related offences through BC’s Ministry of Justice. Her experiences interacting intimately with hundreds of troubled men as a facilitator have given Mathews a rare window into male emotion.

“Many men are gobsmacked to discover they can pause before reacting to their anger,” she says. “Once men learn that they can name the feeling beneath their anger – whether it be betrayal, embarrassment or disappointment – they’re able to choose a different response.”

The Science of “Problem Anger”

The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation study uses the Dimensions of Anger Reactions (DAR) scale to classify problem anger risk. Men who reported getting angry, staying angry or wanting to hit someone “some of the time” or more are considered at risk.

Demographic analysis reveals that men aged 19–29 are almost three times more at risk of problem anger than men aged 45–59 – even after adjusting for income and education. BIPOC men, lower-income men and those living alone also show elevated odds. In other words, youthful anger isn’t just a “phase” – it’s a measurable public-health issue shaped by economic, social and cultural stressors.

What’s Fueling the Fire

Clinicians like Dr. Kuhl and Darlene Mathews trace problem anger in young men to a perfect storm of psychological, social and environmental factors.

“Economic pressures are huge: housing costs, precarious jobs and the gig economy,” says Mathews. “Add isolation, online culture – even pornography addiction – and you have a generation of younger men spending more time in front of screens than with people. They’re disconnected, and that fuels frustration.”

Mathews points out that many of these young men grew up amid shifting gender norms. “There’s a power imbalance between men and women that society is still renegotiating…men feel uncertain about their role in today’s world.”

When looked at regionally, the study’s data supports Mathews’s insights. For example, men living in Ontario – where urban stress and cost of living pressures are highest – showed greater odds of problem anger than those living in other regions of the country.

Masculinity and Emotional Vocabulary

Experts believe that traditional notions of masculinity compound problem anger in young men. Boys are still taught not to cry from a very young age, explains Matthews. “If a boy gets hurt, the message is often: ‘go ride your bike…don’t make a scene.’ By adulthood, the boy has learned to hide pain and channel every emotion into anger.”

Mathews quotes researcher Brené Brown’s observation that humans experience 87 distinct emotions, noting that most men talk only about three: happiness, sadness, and anger. “Until we teach boys the full vocabulary of feelings, anger will keep doing the talking,” she says.

And the consequences are profound: anger expressed outwardly can lead to aggression and violence. Turned inward, it can advance to depression, addiction or even suicide. Men already account for roughly 75 per cent of suicide deaths in Canada, often using more lethal means than women to end their lives.

Inside the “Anger Mountain”

Mathews teaches clients a simple model she calls the “Anger Mountain.” At the base is a trigger: a perceived slight or frustration. If a man fails to stop there and identify the first feeling, adrenaline floods his body, pushing him up the slope toward crisis.

“At the peak, he’ll say and do things he later regrets,” she says. “Then comes the crash: guilt and shame at the bottom. That cycle erodes self-esteem and keeps repeating.” Learning to recognize the trigger phase is key: “pause, breathe and ask yourself what am I really feeling right now?” Mathews tells clients. “That simple question can change everything.”

Building Better Supports

Peer-to-peer programs and networks can be invaluable for isolated younger men. Mathews praises the ManKind Project, a peer-to-peer community where men practice vulnerability and accountability. “Inside that circle, when a man shares something genuine, others respond positively, acknowledging respect. It anchors positive behaviour,” she says.

Mathews also emphasizes the need for accessible counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatment options outside of the criminal justice system. “By the time I see men, it’s often years too late. We need community-based programs that reach them long before a court order.”

How We Can Help

According to Dr. David Kuhl, men need to feel seen, heard, and supported. “It’s important to understand another person’s feelings and behaviours rather than blaming or shaming them,” he says. “Men’s health isn’t just physical. It’s about who I am as a man in relationship to myself, to the people I love, and within my community.”

The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation reached over two million people in 2024 and is building on that momentum to drive deeper change. The goal is to create spaces — both online and in communities — where men feel welcome no matter what emotions they’re experiencing.

Men need a place in the world that understands them beyond stereotypes. That means devoting time and resources to developing programs and opportunities for men to engage more fully in their own lives and the lives of their families and communities. So the next generation doesn’t continue these same cycles of silence and struggle.

Five Practical Ways to Cool the Heat

Mathews offers these everyday tools for young men who feel their anger rising:

1. Pause and name it. Remember that anger is a second emotion. Ask: “What came before – hurt, fear, shame, disappointment?”
2. Use the R-A-I-N method. Recognize what you feel. Allow it. Investigate why it’s there. Nurture yourself instead of attacking.
3. Check your thinking errors. Notice when you’re blaming, over-generalizing or minimizing others’ feelings – classic traps that fuel rage.
4. Master the Four F’s. When triggered, the body chooses Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn. Learn which is yours so you can interrupt it early.
5. Connect before you correct. Call a friend, walk, breathe, journal – any step that restores connection to self or others before reacting.

“Anger itself isn’t bad,” Mathews stresses. “It’s energy. Used well, it’s protective and motivating. But unmanaged, it damages everything in its path.”

Changing the Narrative

Despite the sobering statistics, Mathews is optimistic about the future of young men. “Their beliefs aren’t as entrenched as older generations,” she says. “If we reach men under 30 with emotional-intelligence skills now, we can prevent decades of pain later.”

Ultimately, addressing men’s anger means re-imagining masculinity itself. That means parents encouraging sons to cry without shame; teachers rewarding empathy as much as achievement; employers treating emotional regulation as a leadership skill; and health systems funding anger-management programs as seriously as addiction or depression treatment.

“Every one of us has a critical role to play,” says Matthews. “Let’s stop judging anger and start understanding it. When young men learn that emotional regulation is strength, not weakness, we’ll all live in a calmer, safer, more compassionate world.”

Change begins when we start listening. Every act of empathy, every space that helps young men feel seen, moves us toward a culture where anger no longer isolates — it connects. 

What kind of programs and support would you like to see for young men in Canada? Please share in the comments below.

You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Loneliness isn’t about how many friends you have; it’s about whether your need for genuine connection is being met. And what that looks like is different for everyone. While half of Canadian men are at risk of social isolation, feeling lonely and being isolated aren’t always the same thing.

As a human connection expert, author, and keynote speaker, I’ve noticed that many people are starting to take stock of their relationships, who their true friends are, who their acquaintances are, and who really matters most. Some have realized they feel lonely even within their own social circles.

Feeling lonely isn’t about the number of people around you; it’s about how supported and understood you feel.

Four common factors of loneliness:

1. Lack of meaningful social support
2. A negative perception of your relationships
3. Poor mental and/or physical health
4. A lack of work/life balance

Breaking through loneliness with empathetic curiosity

Empathetic curiosity — asking questions that help you understand someone’s reality rather than trying to “fix” them — can be a powerful way to break through loneliness. When you’re able to interact with people beyond small talk, it can help you feel more supported, connected and content. It’s also how good friendships are formed. Because the truth is, making friends as an adult can be hard.

If you’d like to expand your wolf pack – even if you don’t think of yourself as a “people person” – here are some simple ways to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Ask first, talk second

Asking questions and listening to the answers is a great way to start getting to know someone. That way, there’s no need to have a dazzling talking point ready in your back pocket all the time. Let them do the talking!

Open-ended questions that start with “how” and “what” can lead to more personal answers. Try asking:

• “What are you most grateful for?” 
• “What’s one win from this week that you’re proud of?” 
• “If you could live through the pandemic again, what would you do differently?”
• “How can I show up for you in bigger ways?”
• “What’s the question I failed to ask to understand your reality?”

Stay focused

There’s more to a rewarding first-time conversation than a single question and answer. That’s why it’s important to focus on the other person and avoid distractions. 

Part of this involves listening to what ISN’T being said. Does the tone of their voice sound angry, sad or excited? Listen with your eyes. Is their body language revealing clues about how they’re feeling? For example, avoiding eye contact whenever a particular subject is mentioned — like an ex-partner or former employer — is a sign they may be struggling with something. Asking about that thing shows you’re paying close attention, which goes a long way toward strengthening new social connections.

Go bigger with small talk

After your initial exchange, build on what you’ve learned and noticed. “What are you looking forward to the most this summer?” or “How do you feel about being single/looking for work again?”

Deeper topics can lead to disagreements and differences of opinion, but this doesn’t have to be a conversation killer. In fact, the opposite is often true. Instead of taking issue with a topic, try to meet them where they’re at. By refraining from jumping to judgment, a conversation becomes a fun and interesting mutual exchange rather than an off-putting argument.

Find out what makes people happy

Understanding what makes a person happy is a great starting point for connecting with someone. The late psychiatrist Dr. Gordon Livingston did incredible work on the happiness equation. He found that the happiest people had three things in common: something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. 

If you don’t know much about the person in front of you, ask them questions about these things to find commonalities and to get them to talk about themselves.  What is this person all about? What are they excited about? How can I be a champion of what they’re doing? It creates a much more positive experience.

Walk and talk

Guys often feel more comfortable having deeper conversations when they’re side-by-side with somebody or while doing an activity. Connecting on a deeper level while looking someone directly in the eye can be uncomfortable.

That’s why talking while walking or getting active is a great way to build friendships.

Join the club

Pursuing your interests with others who share them is a great way to make new friends and deepen your appreciation for your chosen pursuit. Plus, a set schedule helps you make time for these activities. 

Pick something you enjoy doing — bowling, watching sports, video games, barbecuing, hiking, playing darts, the list goes on — and chances are there’s a club, team or special event in your area that welcomes new members or participants. 

Go out with your tribe

Being more social can be as easy as planning a night out with your buddies a couple of times a month. Go to a movie or the pub, head out for a walk or bike ride, or anywhere where you can hang out and have fun. Because our busy lives often get in the way of doing these kinds of things, it’s a good idea to set aside a regular time — say, every other Friday after work — for these get-togethers.

And yes, going out for a pint can be good for you as long as it’s about connection, not just the drinks. You never know who might join in or how a new friendship might start.

Start a new friendship

Making new friends can sometimes feel awkward, but it’s worth it. You might meet someone new at work, the gym, your kids’ activities, or even at the pub. You might be surprised how open people are to making new friends when you connect on a deeper level beyond small talk.

The bottom line

Meaningful connection doesn’t require perfection, just intention. Small, genuine efforts can make a big difference in how supported, understood, and happy you feel.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2022 and updated in October 2025 to update resources and ensure accuracy.