Stroke Awareness

Fast Facts:

• 9 in 10 Canadians has at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke
• In Canada, a stroke happens every 10 minutes

Stroke Can Happen at any Age
Although stroke is most common in people over the age of 70, the new data, according to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, reveals an alarming increase among those under 70. Over the past ten years, strokes in people in their 50s have increased by 24 per cent and, in those in their 60s, by 13 per cent. Even more troubling, recent international studies predict that stroke rates among younger people (ages 24–64), will double in the next 15 years.

What are the Five Signs of Stroke?

1. Weakness – sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.
2. Trouble speaking – sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
3. Vision problems – sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary
4. Headache – sudden severe and unusual headache
5. Dizziness – sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the previous 4 signs.

Stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts. Anyone who witnesses or experiences the signs of a stroke should call 9-1-1 immediately so the person can get to a hospital that is equipped to provide emergency stroke care. The sooner someone who is experiencing stroke gets to hospital and receives appropriate treatment, the better their chances of recovery.

Prevention every step of the way
There is hope -- stroke is treatable and preventable. Up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented. It’s never too late to adopt healthy behaviours that will decrease your risk factors for stroke, even after a stroke has occurred.

Go to https://ehealth.heartandstroke.ca/heartstroke/hsra to take the Heart and Stroke Risk Assessment and get tips on how to maintain healthy changes.  If you are a rostered patient and do not have access to a computer, feel free to call the office at (705) 569-3244 to make an appointment with our dietitian who can take you through the risk assessment.

Preventative Health Care – the Easiest Way to Protect Your Future!