Did you know that June is Stroke Awareness Month in Canada?
To recognize the importance of stroke awareness, I’ve extended the online promotion for my memoir, Stroke of Luck.
Get your copy on Amazon and save 20% until July 15. And help me help the heroes at the Foothills Stroke Unit!
Stroke incidence continues to rise in Canada – more strokes are happening and more people are living with stroke due to our aging population and more younger people having strokes. There are now nearly 110,000 strokes each year in Canada. That is roughly one stroke every five minutes.
Strokes occur due to an interruption of blood flow to the brain, and most strokes originate in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are the large arteries at the front of the neck. They deliver most of the blood to the brain. Carotid artery strokes produce symptoms that are familiar to many people, thanks to effective public awareness campaigns:
- F – Face drooping
- A – Arms can’t be lifted above your head
- S – Speech is slurred or jumbled
- T – Time to call 9-1-1
As I learned, strokes can also occur due to an interruption of blood flow in the vertebral arteries. These arteries are at the back of the neck. They are smaller than the carotid arteries, but just as important.
The symptoms of vertebral strokes are different than those originating in the carotid arteries because they control different bodily functions. Here’s what to look for as possible signs of a vertebral artery stroke:
- B – Balance and coordination problems, like vertigo
- E – Eyes and Ears behaving strangely, especially if uncoordinated
Taken together, these symptoms can be remembered by the words BE FAST.
BE FAST is an appropriate phrase, because regardless of the type of stroke, time is of the essence. If there’s any doubt, call 911 right away!
Be well, and BE FAST!
My Second Running Life 