Over 300,000 Canadians are living with the effects of a stroke, and more than 50,000 strokes occur in Canada every year (one every 10 minutes), making it a leading cause of death in our country.* Stroke Awareness Month (June 2012) aims to raise awareness about the risk factors that can lead to a stroke and encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles in order to reduce their chances of having a stroke. This can be done by controlling your blood pressure through regular physical activity, not smoking and maintaining a low-sodium diet and a healthy weight.
In light of Stroke Awareness Month, here are some relevant and useful Cochrane Reviews:
- Cilostazol versus aspirin for secondary prevention of vascular events after a stroke of arterial origin
- Interventions in the management of serum lipids for preventing stroke recurrence
- Organised inpatient (stroke unit) care for stroke
- Pharmacotherapy for hypertension in women of different races
- Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients at home
*(source: Heart & Stroke Foundation. "Reports on Canadians' Stroke Health." June 2011. http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ikIQLcMWJtE&b=7498307&ct=10858179)
