June 01, 2021
Did you know that more than 62,000 strokes occur in Canada each year? That number continues to rise, leaving more than 405,000 people in Canada living with the effects of stroke.1
The good news is that stroke is treatable. However, there are a lot of myths about this serious medical emergency. Here are five important ones:
Myth 1 – Stroke only affects the elderly
Fact: A stroke can happen at any age. Nearly 25 per cent of Canadians who have had a stroke are under the age of 65.ii
While age remains the strongest risk factor for stroke, stroke in younger adults is also on the rise and at a faster rate than older adults.iii Risks like high blood pressure, diabetes and unhealthy lifestyles are also increasing in this younger age group.iii
How we can help: March of Dimes Canada’s
After Stroke program is a personalized recovery program that helps survivors and their families move forward after a stroke. The program is flexible and able to adapt to meet the changing needs and goals of stroke survivors of any age.
Myth 2 – Stroke recovery only occurs for the first few months following a stroke
Fact: There is no timetable for stroke recovery. Many people continue to improve for months or years after a stroke.
That said, Canadian Stroke Best Practices supports starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke, typically while the stroke survivor is in hospital.iv A person’s recovery is affected by many factors – like the severity of the stroke for example. No two people have exactly the same recovery.
How we can help: Upon registration, a local After Stroke coordinator works with the stroke survivor to understand the person’s needs and goals for stroke recovery and develop a personalized plan to help reach them. We will provide this support for however long they need it.
Myth 3 – A stroke only affects the person who experienced the stroke
Fact: Often, everyone in the circle of the person who experienced the stroke is impacted. Nearly two-thirds of survivors (in Canada) are left with some level of stroke-related disability, and more than half require some amount of assistance in daily activities during recovery, according to a 2017 report by Heart & Stroke.iii This can lead to family members acting as full or part time caregivers.
How we can help: Our After Stroke program places the stroke survivor and their family caregivers at the centre of our care. The stroke survivor is supported while working towards their goals, while caregivers also access tailored resources and programs that support their unique challenges.
Myth 4 – Women are less likely to have strokes than men
Fact: More than 62,000 strokes occur in Canada each year; over 30,200 of these happen to women.v
Women are affected differently than men by stroke. According to a 2018 stroke report by Heart & Stroke, “More women die of stroke, women have worse outcomes after stroke, more women are living with the effects of stroke and they face more challenges as they recover.v”
How we can help: Our After Stroke program supports the different needs faced by men and women during recovery. The plan for recovery is flexible and may include programs offered through After Stroke, as well as referrals to other local services and resources.
Myth 5 – You can't do anything to prevent stroke
Fact: Research has shown that almost 80 per cent of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented through healthy behaviours.vi
This is good news for those who have never had a stroke, and for others who are looking to prevent a second stroke. There are risk factors for stroke that you can’t change – like age and medical history – but there are others you can modify that can reduce your risk.
How we can help: For participants in our After Stroke program, we will work to include resources and assistance in making lifestyle changes as part of their plan to help reduce the risk of another stroke. These changes could range from eating a healthier diet to staying active to reducing stress to maintaining a healthy weight.
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iii Heart & Stroke, Different Strokes, Recovery triumphs and challenges at any age, 2017 Stroke Report.
strokereport2017en.ashx (heartandstroke.ca)
