Knowing signs of stroke will save lives
VICTORIA – Health Minister Michael de Jong is highlighting Stroke Awareness Month and how families can stay healthy by learning the signs of stroke.
The minister was joined by MLAs to ride the 30-seat Heart and Stroke Big Bike around the B.C. legislative buildings.
Each year in British Columbia, more than 6,500 strokes kill more than 2,000 people. Yet in a 2010 Heart and Stroke Foundation survey, only 45 per cent of British Columbian respondents could name two or more warning signs of stroke, and only 71 per cent said they would call 9-1-1 immediately if someone was having a stroke.
The five signs of stroke are:
· Sudden weakness or numbness.
· Sudden trouble speaking.
· Sudden vision problems.
· Sudden severe and unusual headache.
· Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
To further support British Columbians in recognizing the warning signs of stroke, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon is launching a video highlighting the five symptoms and the message: Call 911 immediately.
In May 2011, the Province launched the comprehensive $68.7-million Healthy Families BC strategy, which will support British Columbians in managing their own health, reducing chronic disease, including stroke, and ensuring that pregnancy and support programs target the province’s most vulnerable families. Additionally, the strategy will focus on healthy eating, including a public awareness campaign around sodium and sweetened beverage reduction, as well as a provincial restaurant recognition program to promote healthy eating options.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon is a volunteer-based health charity, which leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.
Quotes:
Michael de Jong, Minister of Health –
“Prevention is the key to reducing chronic disease and keeping families healthy. Learning the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately can save lives, lessen the human toll and ease the strain on the health care system.”
Dr. Devin Harris, emergency department physician, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver –
“People can lose up to two million brain cells a minute after a stroke. Patients who go to an emergency department as soon as the symptoms appear have a much higher chance of surviving, and they reduce their chance of lasting brain damage. As a physician, I urge British Columbians not to take the chance and wait. If you have any of the five symptoms, come to hospital immediately. We’d much rather someone come in with a false alarm than sit at home guessing while their brains may be subjected to preventable damage.”
Diego Marchese, chief executive officer, Heart and Stroke Foundation –
“Social media is a great boon to raising public awareness around the five signs of stroke. We’re urging people to circulate this fun YouTube video and help us spread the word. We just launched two free smart phone apps to encourage everyone to eat healthier and manage high blood pressure. And lots of people are using social networking websites to connect with exercise buddies. Technology is making it easier - and even fun - to take care of ourselves.”
Quick Facts:
In Canada, the estimated cost of stroke is $4 billion to $5 billion per year. For B.C., the estimated cost is about $327 million a year.
· Strokes are the third-leading cause of death in B.C. and the number one cause of adult-acquired long-term disability.
· The majority of stroke patients survive, but can be affected by neurological disabilities over the long term.
· After age 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.
· A stroke survivor has a 20 per cent chance of having another stroke within two years.
· Following a lower-sodium diet and controlling high blood pressure, staying physically active, and being smoke-free can significantly reduce stroke risk.
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