June is Stroke Month
June is Stroke Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the signs of stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately. Quick action can help ensure someone receives care at the most appropriate hospital and improve their chances of recovery.
Strokes are on the rise in Canada, with younger adults experiencing strokes more frequently than ever before. According to Heart & Stroke Canada, approximately 110,000 strokes occur each year or about one every five minutes. This is especially concerning because stroke is the leading cause of adult disability.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by either a blockage or bleeding. Without adequate blood flow, brain cells can begin to die within minutes, potentially leading to long-term disability or death.
Know the Signs
You can recognize the most common signs of a stroke using FAST:
Face – Is one side of the face drooping?
Arms – Can the person raise both arms?
Speech – Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
Time – Call 9-1-1 right away.
Risk and Prevention
Heart & Stroke Canada reports that 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease, and nearly 80% of premature strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
Key lifestyle risk factors include:
Unhealthy eating habits
Excess body weight
Chronic stress
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Smoking
Almost half of vape users in Canada are youth and young adults, many of whom have never smoked. While it may take 20-30 years to fully understand the health implications
of vaping and e-cigarettes, current evidence suggests that vaping can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure, raising the risk for strokes.
At Calgary Meals on Wheels, we support heart and brain health through nutritious, balanced meals. Our Chef's Daily Special menu is designed with guidelines from Canada's Food Guide, Heart & Stroke Canada, and Diabetes Canada in mind, with careful attention to saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.
This information is provided by our Registered Dietitian and is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or health professional regarding your individual needs. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.