Islanders encouraged to know the risk factors and signs of a stroke

World Stroke Day on October 29 is a good time for Islanders and health care providers to discuss risk factors, signs of stroke and programs available to support stroke survivors.  

The FAST campaign, a partnership with Health PEI, Island EMS and Heart and Stroke, reminds Islanders of stroke signs and to act FAST at their first symptom.

FAST stands for: 

• Face: is it drooping?
• Arms: can you raise both? 
• Speech: is it slurred or jumbled? 
• Time: to call 9-1-1 right away. 

In PEI there are approximately 350 strokes every year – this equals nearly one stroke every day. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada, with over 400,000 stroke survivors.

“Talking to your primary care provider about the risk factors and signs of a stroke is important so that Islanders are able to call 9-1-1 for assistance as soon as symptom’s start. It’s also important for stroke survivors and their families to be aware of supports that are available to help people during recovery and as they transition back into community living.”

- Health and Wellness Minister James Aylward

Community partners also play a pivotal role in providing services to Islanders. For example, the new After Stroke Strategy website launched by March of Dimes Canada is a valuable resource and offers easy access to programs, services, education and information to support stroke survivors and caregivers in PEI and across Canada. 

“There is a need for more community-based services for stroke survivors on Prince Edward Island and this resource is extremely helpful for people,” said provincial stroke steering committee chair, Dr. Ed Harrison. “The site focuses on navigating people through tools and services available for stroke survivors during recovery, their return home and back to community participation and independence.”

Media Contact:

Jessica Bruce    

Senior Communications

jessicabruce@gov.pe.ca        

902-388-1292