June is Stroke Month, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation is stressing the importance of knowing the signs of a stroke.

 

Amanda Nash, a health promotion manager with the foundation, says approximately two thousand strokes occur in Manitoba, with the northern region having the highest stroke rate in the province.

 

Additionally, northern Manitoba has seen an increase in stroke rates for residents over the age of 40 in the last five years.

 

Nash says because of the prevalence of strokes in the region, it’s important for residents to know the signs and act accordingly.

 

“When somebody is experiencing a stroke , the great thing to remember is to act fast. And  F.A.S.T.  stands for face – is it drooping?  Arms – can you wave them?  Speech – is it slurred or jumbled?  And time –time to call 911or your local emergency number as soon as possible.

 

One third of Manitobans don’t know any signs of a stroke, 27 % can only name one and 27% can only name two of the three signs,  so we have a long way to go to recognize FAST.  Remembering that acronym can really help to beat stroke and make a safe difference.”

 

Nash says there are an estimated 62 thousand strokes in Canada in a given year and anyone is susceptible to one.

 

“We know the risk of stroke is high over the age of 55 but it can happen to anyone at any age, anywhere.   And, so knowing some of your risks can help you prevent that from happening or delay that from happening.  

 

We look at risk factors and there are some that we don’t have any control over. That’s  things like gender, age, family history or medical conditions, but the good news is that 80 % of premature stroke is preventable from lifestyle risk factors. So that would be things like healthy eating, being active, living smoke free and managing your stress.”