Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Institutional links
Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
This content was archived on June 24, 2013.
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
Stroke Awareness Month
June 2011
Close to 315,000 people are living with the effects of a stroke, which, unfortunately, is still a leading cause of death in Canada.
The good news is, the sooner you are treated after experiencing stroke symptoms, the better your chances are of limiting the damage. That's why it's important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms:
- sudden weakness on one side of your body, numbness or tingling in your face, arm, or leg
- temporary trouble speaking or understanding what others say
- sudden loss of vision or double vision, especially in one eye
- sudden, severe and unusual headache
- sudden dizziness, especially if you are also showing any of the other signs.
Many people know someone who has experienced a stroke. It affects not only the person who has the stroke, but also the family members and caregivers who help with recovery.
Although most strokes occur in persons over age 65, it is important that Canadians of all ages be aware of the risk factors and take action to help 
reduce the risk of developing stroke. Positive steps to take include controlling blood pressure through regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy, low-sodium diet. You can also reduce your risk of a stroke by not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Research is essential to preventing strokes and the disabilities that can result. Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Canada has invested close to $99 million over the past five years in stroke research, with $20.5 million in 2009-2010 alone.
I commend both the Canadian Stroke Network and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for their work to advance the Canadian Stroke Strategy. This strategy coordinates activities in support of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, as well as community reintegration for people who have had a stroke.
During the month of June, Stroke Awareness Month, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the risk factors for stroke and to take action to live a healthier lifestyle to reduce their chances of having a stroke.Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
