June is Stroke Awareness Month

When you or someone around you is experiencing these signs, call an ambulance to get help. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as the Paramedic has the skills and equipment to treat you. This is vitally important as the quicker you can get help, the better the outcome can be. 

What is the difference between a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and a stroke?  Both are medical emergencies and require you to be seen by a medical professional. A TIA is caused by a small clot that briefly blocks an artery that leads to your brain. It is sometimes called a mini-stroke or warning stroke. TIA symptoms might last only a few minutes or hours. No lasting damage occurs, but TIAs are an important warning that a more serious stroke may occur soon. A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to any part of your brain. This interruption causes damage to the brain cells which cannot be repaired or replaced. The effects of your stroke depend on the part of the brain that was damaged and the amount of damage done.

For more information, please visit www.heartandstroke.ca

Cherie deBoer is a Registered Nurse at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network. 

Preventing stroke through regular physical activity

One of the many benefits of regular physical activity is helping to manage blood pressure and to help improve circulation and blood flow. When it comes to preventing strokes and cardiovascular issues, these are two key factors in promoting prevention. 

If blood pressure remains elevated for any length of time there is more damage done to the blood vessels and increased build up of plaque and increased possibility of clots forming the blood vessels. 

Helping to keep the blood vessels healthy and avoiding plaque build up is an important component of preventing the onset of a stroke from a blockage or from lack of blood and oxygen getting to where it needs to be.  As this is Stroke Awareness Month, please help spread the word about the importance of staying active!

Heart & Stroke Foundation brochure: Taking Control - Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke

Corinne Cutler is an Exercise Specialist at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network. 

June is Stroke Awareness Month - Know the signs

June is Stroke Awareness Month

JUNE IS STROKE MONTH. NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.^TM

Do you know the warning signs of a stroke?

Weakness
- sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.

Trouble speaking
- sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.

Vision problems
- sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.

Headache
- sudden severe and unusual headache.

Dizziness
- sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.





































Learn your risk level - and take action today!

The Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment helps you find out what is putting you at risk of heart disease and stroke - and how you can take action to live a longer and fuller life. Just answer some simple questions about your health and lifestyle to get your customized report today. It's free, confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Take the Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment now.