Did you know that 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke? June is Stroke Awareness Month, learn the facts and how you can identify the signs of a stroke to help save a life.

The Facts about Stroke

Stroke is a sudden loss of vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This interruption is due to either a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel causing a bleed into the brain (hemmorrhagic stroke). About 80% of strokes are ischemic while the remaining 20% are hemmorrhagic.

The loss of blood flow causes brain cells in the affected area to die. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute after a stroke increasing the risk of brain damage, disability or death. The effects of a stroke depend on which area of the brain is injured and how much damage occurs.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and approximately 315,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke. It is also the third leading cause of death in Canada. About 60% of people who have had a stroke are left with some form of disability such as paralysis, sensory loss, memory loss, language problems, and vision problems.
 

Learn the Signs of a Stroke – F.A.S.T.

A stroke is a serious medical emergency. Being able to recognize a stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately will help a patient receive the time-sensitive treatment they require. FAST is the easiest way to remember and identify the common symptoms of a stroke.

FACE: Is it drooping?
ARMS: Can you raise both?
SPEECH: Is it slurred or jumbled?
TIME: Call 9-1-1 right away.

Remember that with a stroke, every minute counts. Timely treatment can prevent disability and even death.

To learn more visit www.heartandstroke.bc.ca. Sign in to www.mygoodhealth.ca to take a free health risk assessment and learn more about risk factors for stroke.
 

Introducing the Preferred Pharmacy Network

We’ve partnered with leading pharmacy retailers Costco, London Drugs and Overwaitea Food Group to guarantee low prices and dispensing fees on prescription drugs at locations across British Columbia.

Our Preferred Pharmacy Network partners also offer services and support to help you manage your health, including:

• value pricing on specialty, high-cost drugs
• up to 100-day prescription refills, saving you money on dispensing fees
• assistance in getting coverage for drugs that require special authorization from BC PharmaCare
• advice on patient assistance programs to help pay for specialty, high-cost drugs
• savings on health and wellness products at participating locations
• on-site clinics and wellness education

Find out more at www.pac.bluecross.ca/PPN.