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The Subway That Took a Generation: Why the Eglinton Crosstown’s Delays Were Even Worse Than You Think

  Toronto has a long history of transit projects that drag on, but the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has become the city’s defining example of how complicated, political, and painfully slow building transit can be. Most people think of the project as something that started in the early 2010s and simply ran over schedule. The truth is far messier—and stretches back decades. A Project With Roots in the 1990s Long before shovels hit the ground in 2011, the idea of rapid transit along Eglinton was already alive. In the mid‑1990s, the TTC began digging tunnels for what was then called the Eglinton West Subway . Construction actually started—tunnels were being carved out under the street—until the project was abruptly cancelled in 1995. The partially built tunnels were filled in, and the corridor sat untouched for years. That early false start meant that by the time the Crosstown was revived as part of the Transit City plan in 2007, planners weren’t starting fresh. They were restarting a dr...

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How to prevent heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. They are both caused by problems with the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart and brain. The most common risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent heart disease and stroke, or to reduce their impact if they occur. Here are some tips to keep your heart and brain healthy:

1. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and follow your doctor's advice on how to control them.

2. Quit smoking or avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

3. Manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid abdominal obesity.

5. Exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

6.  Eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats.

7. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

8. Manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

9. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm or leg weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or sudden severe headache.

By following these steps, you can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and improve your quality of life. Remember that prevention is better than cure!


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