Here’s what you need to know about stroke

Did you know there are over 50,000 strokes every year in Canada or about one stroke every 10 minutes?

Stroke is a major health event that can affect people in different ways.

Ada Tang, assistant dean of Rehabilitation Science in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, explains that stroke happens when there is a disruption to the blood flow to the brain.

“It’s important to recognize the signs of stroke when it’s happening,” says Tang, “because time is brain.”

She suggests that an effective method for recalling how to check for signs of a stroke is to utilize the acronym F.A.S.T.

• Face – Is there drooping of the facial muscles?
• Arms – Can the person raise their arms at the same level?
• Speech – Are there changes in their speech? Are they slurring their speech?
• Time – It’s time to call 911.

After experiencing a stroke, many people may continue to live with physical effects of stroke, such as weakness or balance problems. According to MacStroke Canada, these factors can contribute to limitations in mobility, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours, which can lead to higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease or having another stroke.

“Once a person has a stroke, they are at higher risk of having a second stroke,” cautions Tang, emphasizing the importance of prevention.

Some risk factors, like family history of stroke and age, are nonmodifiable risk factors, explains Tang.

She says keeping blood pressure under control, living a physically active lifestyle, having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking are important ways you can lower your risk for stroke.

To learn more about some of the stroke research happening at McMaster, visit the MacStroke website.