{"id":15816,"date":"2025-10-09T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T09:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/?p=15816"},"modified":"2025-10-10T06:05:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T06:05:45","slug":"world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"World Stroke Day: F.A.S.T. Recognition and Prevention for Calgary Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.world-stroke.org\/news-and-blog\/news\/world-stroke-day-2025-bringing-stroke-advocacy-and-awareness-together-to-drive-action-on-stroke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Stroke Day<\/a> around the corner on October 29, now&#8217;s the perfect time to have an honest-to-goodness chat about stroke recognition and prevention, especially for the seniors we cherish in NW Calgary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strokes can sneak up on almost anyone, but with the right know-how and a pinch of preparedness, you can help protect your loved ones and yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>World Stroke Day shines a global spotlight on the importance of stroke awareness, urging us to learn the signs, act quickly, and lean into prevention. The campaign&#8217;s heartbeat? The F.A.S.T. method, a simple yet life-saving tool for recognizing the signs of a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#Cracking_the_Code_The_FAST_Recognition_Method\" title=\"Cracking the Code: The F.A.S.T. Recognition Method\">Cracking the Code: The F.A.S.T. Recognition Method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#What_Makes_Calgary_Seniors_Especially_At_Risk\" title=\"What Makes Calgary Seniors Especially At Risk?\">What Makes Calgary Seniors Especially At Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#Prevention_Strategies_That_Actually_Work\" title=\"Prevention Strategies That Actually Work\">Prevention Strategies That Actually Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#Local_Stroke_Treatment_Facilities_in_Calgary\" title=\"Local Stroke Treatment Facilities in Calgary\">Local Stroke Treatment Facilities in Calgary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#How_Always_Best_Care_of_Calgary_NW_Helps_Seniors_Thrive\" title=\"How Always Best Care of Calgary NW Helps Seniors Thrive\">How Always Best Care of Calgary NW Helps Seniors Thrive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#Emergency_Planning_Dont_Get_Caught_Flat-Footed\" title=\"Emergency Planning: Don&#8217;t Get Caught Flat-Footed!\">Emergency Planning: Don&#8217;t Get Caught Flat-Footed!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/resources\/world-stroke-day-fast-recognition-calgary-seniors\/#Act_FAST_to_Prevent_Stroke_Call_Always_Best_Care_of_Calgary_NW\" title=\"Act F.A.S.T. to Prevent Stroke | Call Always Best Care of Calgary NW\">Act F.A.S.T. to Prevent Stroke | Call Always Best Care of Calgary NW<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cracking_the_Code_The_FAST_Recognition_Method\"><\/span>Cracking the Code: The F.A.S.T. Recognition Method<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>F.A.S.T. Steps<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to Look For<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Face Drooping<\/td><td>Uneven smile, one side droopy or numb<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Arm Weakness<\/td><td>One arm is weak, numb, or drifts downward<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Speech Difficulty<\/td><td>Slurred speech, trouble understanding<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Time to Call 911<\/td><td>Act fast. Call 911 immediately!<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you see any of these signs, don&#8217;t wait, even if symptoms fade. Call 911 immediately and note the time your symptoms began. Getting help stat can be the difference between full recovery and lasting disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/09\/3-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"A compassionate caregiver in blue scrubs gently holds the hand of an elderly woman with gray hair, as she rests in bed. The caregiver is smiling and offering comfort in a well-lit room. The Always Best Care logo is placed in the top-right corner.\" class=\"wp-image-15755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/09\/3-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/09\/3-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/09\/3-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/09\/3.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_Calgary_Seniors_Especially_At_Risk\"><\/span>What Makes Calgary Seniors Especially At Risk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Seniors, especially as we move into our golden years, are more susceptible to stroke than many folks realize. Our Calgary winters, fluctuating blood pressure, and chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes layer on the risk. As caregivers, these are just some of the risk factors to keep an eagle eye on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High blood pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irregular heartbeats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diabetes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High cholesterol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sedentary lifestyle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking and alcohol.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tackling these risks head-on is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Strategies_That_Actually_Work\"><\/span>Prevention Strategies That Actually Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t need a PhD in health science to lower your stroke risk. Real changes start with small, everyday actions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep Blood Pressure in Check<\/strong>: Monitor regularly and follow the doctor&#8217;s advice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Move That Body<\/strong>: Walk, swim, dance, or stretch for at least 30 minutes daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balanced Diet<\/strong>: Embrace a Mediterranean or DASH diet: Fruits, veggies, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats all the way!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ditch Bad Habits<\/strong>: Cut back on alcohol and, if you smoke, seek help to quit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regular Check-ups<\/strong>: Stay on top of cholesterol and blood sugar levels.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>And don&#8217;t forget: Even little changes add up, so start wherever you are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/233-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/233-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/233-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/233-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/233.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Local_Stroke_Treatment_Facilities_in_Calgary\"><\/span>Local Stroke Treatment Facilities in Calgary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Calgary&#8217;s got your back with several top-notch stroke treatment and rehab centers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Foothills Medical Centre Stroke Rehabilitation Clinic<\/strong>: <a href=\"tel:403-944-4224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">403-944-4224<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre<\/strong>: Centralized care and community rehab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Peter Lougheed Centre<\/strong>: Specialized stroke recovery programs in the NE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>South Calgary Health Centre<\/strong>: Community-based rehabilitation for easy access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing where to go can calm frazzled nerves in an emergency, not to mention save precious moments when every second matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/238-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/238-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/238-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/238-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/07\/238.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Always_Best_Care_of_Calgary_NW_Helps_Seniors_Thrive\"><\/span>How Always Best Care of Calgary NW Helps Seniors Thrive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Always Best Care, we are <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/in-home-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dedicated to helping Calgary&#8217;s seniors stay safe and independent<\/a>. Here&#8217;s how we support stroke prevention and recovery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medication Management<\/strong>: Our caregivers help seniors adhere to their medication schedules with precision. No missed doses, no confusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reliable Transportation<\/strong>: Never miss another medical appointment. We&#8217;ll get you (or Mom) there safely and on time, every time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-Stroke Support Services<\/strong>: Compassionate in-home rehabilitation assistance, meal prep, daily care, emotional support, and ongoing encouragement to help you bounce back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can trust Always Best Care to treat your family like our own, partnering with you every step of the way on your health journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_Planning_Dont_Get_Caught_Flat-Footed\"><\/span>Emergency Planning: Don&#8217;t Get Caught Flat-Footed!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a good one for your kitchen fridge or family command center: a mini emergency plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Post the F.A.S.T. steps on your fridge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save Calgary&#8217;s stroke facility numbers in your phone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep medication info handy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Form a phone tree with friends or neighbours for quick action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>No one wants an emergency, but a well-laid plan can take the panic out of a tough situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/08\/392-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"A caregiver in blue scrubs sits with a notebook, smiling and speaking to two seniors during a conversation in a comfortable living room setting.\" class=\"wp-image-15595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/08\/392-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/08\/392-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/08\/392-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/143\/2025\/08\/392.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Act_FAST_to_Prevent_Stroke_Call_Always_Best_Care_of_Calgary_NW\"><\/span>Act F.A.S.T. to Prevent Stroke | Call Always Best Care of Calgary NW<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating the ins and outs of stroke prevention and recognition doesn&#8217;t have to be overwhelming. On World Stroke Day, remember that it&#8217;s about staying informed, staying prepared, and looking out for one another. With the F.A.S.T. method in your back pocket, supportive community resources, and Always Best Care on your team, you can face the future with confidence and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want life-saving support for a senior in your life? <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Call Always Best Care of Calgary NW<\/a> at <a href=\"tel:(587) 210-1392\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(587) 210-1392<\/a> or find us on <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/YfTsZxokV22pBrcT7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Maps<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to recognize stroke symptoms F.A.S.T., reduce risks, and access essential resources for prevention and recovery this World Stroke Day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":15426,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[162],"tags":[549,550,551,552,553,548],"class_list":["post-15816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senior-health"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15816"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15819,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15816\/revisions\/15819"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/calgarynw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}