Health and Community Services
June 4, 2015
June is Stroke Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize June as Stroke Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. During the month, residents throughout the province are encouraged to learn more about how to prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of stroke.
This week, I joined with representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart and Stroke Foundation to proclaim Stroke Awareness Month in an effort to promote public awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health and to officially launch the foundation’s Stroke Month Campaign.
Mr. Speaker, more Canadians die of heart disease than any other disease. Over 74,000 deaths from heart disease occur every year and one person in Canada has a stroke every 10 minutes. Since 2006, we have provided over $500,000 in funding to the Heart and Stroke Foundation to support their education and awareness efforts. Our government remains focused on stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration initiatives, as well as exploring opportunities to further enhance our quality stroke care and services.
Evidence tells us that up to 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable. We are committed to supporting individuals, families, and communities in their endeavor to live healthy lives through a variety of strategies, initiatives, programs and services. It is never too late to adopt healthy behaviours and make lifestyle choices that will decrease risks for stroke, even after a stroke has occurred.
Through our integrated stroke strategy, we are continuously working with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the four Regional Health Authorities to enhance stroke care in Newfoundland and Labrador and improve patient outcomes. Through the 12 designated stroke centres in the province, we have the necessary resources, including diagnostic equipment and pharmaceuticals, to treat acute stroke.
Residents are reminded that stroke is a medical emergency and every minute counts. Knowing the signs and acting quickly could mean the difference between life and death, or between a full recovery and lasting disability. All you need to remember is FAST. Face – Is it drooping? Arms – Can you raise both? Speech – Is it slurred or jumbled? If yes, then it is Time - Call an ambulance right away.
I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Stroke Awareness Month. I also want to thank the Heart and Stroke Foundation for their continued hard work in supporting the health and well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2015 06 04 3:20 p.m.