By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

June is Stroke Awareness Month; Important For Earlier Treatment

Jun 13, 2016 | 2:05 PM

ALBERTA – Around 7000 Albertans suffer from strokes every year, but you could be the key to getting them the treatment they need.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is sending out canvassers throughout June for Stroke Awareness Month. They’ll be collecting donations and helping Canadians learn the symptoms.

VP of Health and Research, Kat Chidester, says those out canvassing will carry signs teaching the F.A.S.T. campaign, which can get patients the critical medical attention they need.

Face – Is it drooping?

Arms – Can they raise both of them?

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Speech – Is it slurred or jumbled?

Time – Time to call an ambulance right away, if these three symptoms are present.

While general education and awareness is most critical for treatment, Chidester explained that funds are also needed for life-saving research to eventually prevent them from happening.

“We’re deepening our understanding of how covert or hidden strokes are related to problems with memory and thinking. So, there’s a closer link than we think between dementia and stroke, and some of the research we have going on right here in Alberta is helping us learn more about that.”

Nearly 6000 canvassers will be in communities across the province. You can also learn more and donate online, at www.heartandstroke.com.