“Every nine minutes, someone in Canada has a stroke.
“June is Stroke Awareness Month in Alberta – an opportune time to familiarize yourself with the signs of a stroke, recognize the importance of calling 911 immediately and take steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“The signs of a stroke can be remembered using the acronym FAST:
- Face – is it drooping?
- Arms – can you raise both?
- Speech – is it jumbled or slurred?
- Time – to call 911
“Immediate medical attention is critical to minimize the impact of a stroke. Thanks to a number of initiatives undertaken in our province, Alberta’s time-to-treatment average of 36 minutes after hospital arrival is one of the fastest in the world.
“Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is particularly important at this time. We know that fewer Albertans are seeking help for health concerns because of the pandemic. We also know that COVID-19 can attack the vascular system. Getting help quickly is imperative if symptoms indicate a possible stroke.
“I encourage all Albertans to take the opportunity to understand the signs and symptoms of stroke and urge everyone to not hesitate to call 911 if you or a family member experience any sign of stroke.”