June is Stroke Awareness Month, and Brightshores Health System encourages everyone to learn the signs of stroke. With stroke, every minute counts and early recognition can save lives.
“Acting quickly can make all the difference,” said Dr. Bryan Young, neurologist. “By learning the signs, people can get to treatment faster and have a better chance of recovery.”
The signs of stroke can be remembered using the F.A.S.T. acronym:
- F – Face: Is it drooping?
- A – Arms: Can both arms be raised?
- S – Speech: Is it slurred or jumbled?
- T – Time: Call 911 immediately.
Paramedics are trained to identify stroke and will transport patients directly to the most appropriate care centre.
As the region’s District Stroke Centre, Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital provides a full range of specialized services, including:
- Emergency Stroke Care: Rapid diagnosis and treatment, including advanced brain imaging and clot-busting medications
- Stroke Prevention Clinic: Follow-up care to reduce risk of recurrence
- Acute Stroke Unit: Specialized in-hospital care by stroke experts
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: Therapy-focused recover
- Community Stroke Rehab: Ongoing support and therapy at home.
“Brightshores has the experience and expertise needed to support patients across their care journey,” said Rebecca Wuerth-Sarvis, Director of Critical Care, Stroke, Rehab & Allied Health. “And as a member of the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network, we’re committed to leadership in stroke care.”
Up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable through healthy behaviours such as staying active, eating well, quitting smoking, and managing blood pressure.
For more information about stroke services, visit: brightshores.ca/stroke-centre.
