Listen Up CANADA! The Heart & Stroke Foundation of
Canada has something to say. And when they speak, we should listen. They have everyone's best interest at heart. The month
of June is National Stroke Awareness Month.
They
believe that if we engage in an open dialogue about such a sensitive subject, we can perhaps prepare ourselves for the signs
and symptoms of such a devastating disease.
How
often have we heard those "near and dear" to us say things like, "I didn't think it would happen to me,"
or "I didn't know what was happening." Well, like all other heart related diseases, Strokes play no favourites.
With that in mind, an open dialogue just makes sense.
Nearly
50,000 strokes occur annually in Canada, resulting in more than 315,000 people living with some kind of debilitating disability,
and those numbers are expected to double by 2020. If we can watch for, and react quicker to the signs of an impending stroke,
then maybe, just maybe we can sidestep the possibility of being one of the unlucky victims.
The "S-Talk," as we will call it is designed
to get us involved for not only ourselves but also those around us. Statistically high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
being overweight, inactive, and stressed out are all factors in considering whether or not you are a stroke candidate. There
are many things we can control, but also things that are hereditary, or uncontrollable.
As someone whose family members have a history of heart ailments, I will be paying attention
to the warning signs. I have personally taken a proactive approach to living a healthier lifestyle, by getting into the gym
3-4 times a week. Altering ones diet and cutting out fatty foods, and those high in sodium can aid in reducing the risks
of stroke or heart disease. Excessive alcohol consumption may make you feel good, but is certainly not recommended if you
are a high level candidate for such a disease. We must not be complacent when it comes to our health. I have seen first
hand what strokes and heart attacks can do to a family dynamic. No one is ever prepared to live with the after effects of
such a sickness. Paralysis and/or mental deficiencies are very common results of strokes.
I, for one, would like to avoid suffering a stroke as I am far too young.
But as I have already stated, "Strokes play no favourites." We are all likely to suffer some sort of sickness
later in life, but with proper planning and a healthy lifestyle we can lower the risks and enjoy living life to the fullest.
