A stroke can occur due to disruptions in blood flow to a certain part of the brain (ischemia) or due to a rupture of a blood vessel causing a bleed (hemorrhage) in the brain. Most commonly, the signs of stroke in patients may include facial drooping, one-sided weakness, and slurred speech. Time is of the essence during a stroke.

There are 62,000 strokes in Canada each year and 405,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, almost half of Canadians have been touched by stroke; they’ve either experienced it themselves or have a close family member or close friend who has had a stroke.

In Canada, stroke is:

• The number one cause of disability
• The second leading cause of dementia
• The third leading cause of death

Having a stroke can lead to many complications and impact your mood, cognition, mobility, and ability to perform your activities of daily living.

As per Heart and Stroke, 8 in 10 cases of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through making lifestyle changes. In addition to this, managing your risk factors for stroke, such as blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol can help prevent a stroke, even in patients who have experienced strokes.

Prevention through learning about healthy living is key!

• South Asian Health Forum “Take Charge of Your Health: Preventing and Managing Stroke”

Join iCON for the South Asian Health Forum “Take Charge of Your Health: Preventing and Managing Stroke”. This FREE online, interactive forum will take place on Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, 2022 (2:00 – 4:00 PM)

Delivered in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, this forum is designed to help patients, their families and caregivers optimize their quality of life by empowering them with knowledge and resources to prevent and manage stroke. Through a series of presentations and discussions, health experts from the community will educate and engage with the audience on health topics including:

• What is stroke and how to recognize the signs early (FAST).
• What to do in times of emergency – when to seek help & treatment.
• How managing your chronic diseases can in turn help reduce your risk for stroke, even if you have had a previous stroke.
• Tips for management of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Understanding the link between stroke and mental/cognitive health.
• Lifestyle management: improving your nutrition and exercise at home.
• Post stroke management – support with rehabilitation, nutrition, and transition to home.
• Where and how to access care/help in the community.
• Examples of real-life scenarios.

“Take Charge of Your Health: Preventing and Managing Stroke ”

• About iCON

The interCultural Online health Network (iCON) is a community-driven health promotion initiative that provides culturally and linguistically tailored information on chronic disease management and digital health literacy for multicultural communities. iCON works in collaboration with partner organizations and with the support of the Ministry of Health Patients as Partners Initiative to advance patient- and family-centred care in B.C. iCON works with patients, caregivers, and health professionals to support individuals in navigating the BC healthcare system and shaping their self-management journey.

• Get in touch!
  iCON Project, UBC Digital Emergency Medicine

3312, 3rd Floor 818 West 10th Avenue, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 1M9

Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples

Email: icon.support@ubc.ca        Website: www.iconproject.org