June Focus: Stroke Prevention

Despite strides in research into strokes, they continue to be one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization in Canada. In 2012, more than 13,000 Canadians died of a stroke, and currently more than 400,000 are living with a long-term stroke-related disability. But we can work towards keeping ourselves from becoming stroke statistics by knowing our risk factors and making healthy choices.

Risk Factors
Some factors involved in stroke risk aren’t changeable, such as family history, age and sex. Other risk factors are associated with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and diabetes. Many risk factors, though, can be changed. Making healthy choices is an important way to reduce your risks and to prevent stroke.

Healthy Choices
You can reduce your stroke risk by making small changes to your lifestyle.
• Increase the healthy foods you eat such as fruits, vegetables and high-fibre foods.
• Manage your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
• Control your weight.
• Reduce your stress.

If you think you or someone you care about is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, such a facial drooping, inability to raise both arms, or slurred or jumbled speech, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

For more posts like these, visit the Physical Wellness page.