June is designated as Stroke Month, and this year, Heart & Stroke marks the tenth anniversary of its campaign to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of reacting quickly by calling 9-1-1 to effective medical care.
The FAST campaign, launched in 2014, has played a crucial role in educating the public about the warning signs of a stroke, using a simple acronym to help remember vital signs:
• Face : is it sagging?
• Disability: to raise both arms normally?
• Speech disorder: is he present?
• Extreme emergency: call 9-1-1 immediately.
The effectiveness of this initiative is demonstrated by the significant increase in knowledge of the signs of stroke among the Canadian population, going from 2 in 10 people to more than 4 in 10 able to name at least two signs of stroke in a decade. However, despite this progress, surveys reveal that a significant proportion of the population remains insufficiently informed, with 3 in 10 people unable to name any signs of stroke.
The increasing incidence of stroke, linked to an aging population and increased prevalence among young adults, highlights the urgency of expanding and strengthening awareness efforts. Heart & Stroke continues to collaborate with various partners, including governments and communities, to expand the reach of its FAST campaign. These efforts are crucial because stroke remains a leading cause of disability among adults in Canada, with nearly a million people currently living with the after-effects of this disease.
Raising awareness must be a constant priority, as illustrated by the story of Melissa Wing, who suffered a stroke at age 28. His early knowledge of the signs of stroke was crucial to its rapid diagnosis and effective treatment. Her experience highlights not only the impact of stroke on young people but also the crucial importance of early awareness to ensure rapid and effective intervention, which can significantly reduce long-term damage.
Dr. Alexandre Y. Poppe, vascular neurologist, emphasizes that every second counts when a stroke occurs. Rapid recognition of signs by witnesses and responsiveness of the medical system are essential to improving patient outcomes. This highlights the importance of training and educating the public as first responders in the stroke survival chain.
In summary, while progress has been made in stroke awareness and management in Canada, surveys conducted by Heart & Stroke indicate that much more needs to be done to ensure every Canadian is informed and ready to act. Continued efforts to educate the public about the signs of stroke and how to intervene are not only necessary but vital to public health.
To learn more about recognizing the signs of stroke and what to do in an emergency, visit the Heart & Stroke website.
Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation / CNW
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