Staff
“Prevention Through Early Detection” will be being promoted next Tuesday and Wednesday as Stroke Detection Plus, Inc. brings preventive health screening services to the Holiday Inn in International Falls.
Stroke Detection Plus is a mobile ultrasound service that conducts stroke and vascular screenings so people will know if they are at risk for stroke, and be able to prevent the disease before it can cause disability or death.
A combination of tests are being offered, include “stroke screening,” which screens the carotid artery looking for plaque build-up or blockage.
This test is used to determine the percentage of blockage that is restricting the flow of blood to the brain (important since the majority of strokes occur from this type of blockage).
The second available test looks for abdominal aortic aneurysm—an enlargement of the vessel that feeds the lower extremities with blood.
The third test is for peripheral vascular disease, which screens for any possible blockages in the arms and legs.
Finally, a fourth test is being offered to look at bone density and screen for osteoporosis.
Each individual test costs $40, any three tests cost $100, and all four tests cost $120.
The screening will be held from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on March 24-25. Appointments are necessary, which can be made by calling toll-free 1-877-732-8258.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, stroke is the third-leading cause of death in Canada, with more than 14,000 Canadians dying from it each year.
More than 50,000 strokes occur in Canada each year, which amounts to one stroke every 10 minutes.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation also estimates about 300,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke, and a stroke survivor has a 20 percent chance of having another stroke within two years.
Risk factors for stroke include having diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure/hypertension, heart disease/atrial fibrillation, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, and stress.
The risk of heart disease also increases with age, and if there is a family history of the stroke.
Recognizing and responding to the warning signs of a stroke are important to ensure treatment, the Heart and Stroke Foundation says.
These signs include sudden:
•weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or legs;
•difficulty speaking or understanding speech;
•vision problems;
•unusual and severe headaches; and/or
•dizziness and loss of balance
Even if these symptoms are only temporary, one or a combination could be signs of a stroke and 9-1-1 should be called immediately.
