June is Stroke Awareness Month in Canada. As Minister of Health and Minister of State for Public Health, we join the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in recognizing the importance of raising awareness about stroke. This month's theme aims to remind Canadians about the warning signs of stroke, which include sudden weakness, trouble speaking, sudden loss of vision, and sudden severe and unusual headaches or dizziness. You can reduce your risk of stroke by being aware of and addressing the underlying risk factors, which include hypertension, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol and diabetes. This sudden loss of brain function takes the lives of nearly 16,000 Canadians every year, making it the fourth-leading cause of death in the country. After the age of 55, the risk of having a stroke doubles every ten years. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, as Canada's population ages, the occurrence of stroke is expected to increase unless prevention improves. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the prevention and control strategies for cardiovascular and chronic diseases such as stroke. Through an investment of $300 million over five years for the Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease, the Government of Canada is taking action on chronic disease prevention and supporting early detection and management. The Government of Canada also supports stroke research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Stroke Network. CIHR provided $13.7 million for stroke research in 2003-04. Canada has the potential to become a world leader in stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, research and surveillance. The need is urgent, the benefits are substantial, and the time to act collectively is now. We encourage all Canadians to take time this month to learn the signs of stroke and what actions you should take when a stroke occurs. For more information about stroke and its warning signs, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada Ujjal Dosanjh Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett Minister of State (Public Health)
