Be Stroke-Wise!

A stroke is a medical emergency caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. Blood flow is interrupted by a blood clot (blockage) or rupture of a blood vessel.  Without oxygen, brain cells die. Depending on the size and location of the stroke, the individual loses some function.

Do you know�

• The number of Canadians affected by stroke every year?
• How to reduce your risk for stroke?

Every 10 minutes, a Canadian will suffer a stroke, meaning strokes affect more than 50, 000 Canadians every year. The good news is that early recognition and treatment has improved the chance of surviving a stroke. 

To learn more about early recognition, take the "One Minute Test" by visiting the ElderWise Public Library and clicking on the "Health" tab:  http://www.elderwise.ca/library.html

You can reduce your risk for stroke by making these choices in your daily life

• Treat high blood pressure
• Stop smoking
• Reduce salt and sodium in your diet
• Have an active lifestyle

To find out your unique risks, take the assessment offered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/hs_risk.asp?media=risk

Those who survive a stroke may experience a range of physical and emotional problems. These include:

• Physical impairments
• Personality and behaviour changes
• Communication problems
• Cognitive changes

Knowing the risks, making wise lifestyle choices, and recognizing the early signs can dramatically reduce your chances of being a victim of stroke.

Vol. 4, No. 4
� ElderWise Publishing 2008.
You have permission to reprint this or any other ElderWise INFO article, provided you reproduce it in its entirety, acknowledge our copyright, and include the following statement:
Originally published by ElderWise Publishing, a division of ElderWise Inc., Canada's "go to" place for families with aging parents, who want clear, concise and timely information about health, housing and relationships. Visit us at www.elderwise.ca and subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter.