To read the full releases, visit: www.strokecongress.ca/2012/media
CALGARY, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Research from the Canadian Stroke Congress for release October 2 includes:
Sleep apnea plays dual role in stroke
- Improvements to the diagnosis and screening of sleep apnea are critical to stroke prevention, according to new stroke care guidelines released today at the Canadian Stroke Congress. Obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder where the flow of air to the brain pauses or decreases during sleep, is both a risk factor for stroke and a complication following stroke.
Expand telestroke in all provinces to save lives, reduce disability
- Widespread use of telestroke -- two-way audiovisual linkups between neurologists in stroke centres and emergency rooms in underserved and rural areas -- would save lives, reduce disability and cut health-care costs in all parts of Canada, according to a major national report released today at the Canadian Stroke Congress.
Calgary-based support group connects people with stroke
- People affected by stroke provide support and answers for new stroke patients in a peer-to-peer support program called I.N.S.P.I.R.E.S (In-Patient Support Program In REcovery from Stroke). Now in its second year, the Calgary program has recruited and trained 12 volunteers who have provided support and resources to hundreds of stroke patients.
Improved stroke care in Alberta benefits patients
- Stroke care has improved considerably in Alberta following the implementation of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy (APSS) in 2006, leading to more targeted patient care and fewer health complications, according to a study presented today at the Canadian Stroke Congress. More patients are getting brain scans and treatment in specialized stroke units.
Smoking clouds the brain after stroke
- A study of stroke and TIA patients from Southern Ontario found those who smoke have more difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making than non-smokers.
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 10:00 AM, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
Award-winning research
- Two standout Canadian studies were honoured at the Canadian Stroke Congress. UBC researcher Thomas Harrison won the Innovation Award for his research on the brain's ability to heal itself. Impact Award-winning researcher Gustavo Saposnik of U of T showcased an app that accurately forecasts the effects of stroke treatment to keep doctors and patients more informed.
There are about 50,000 strokes in Canada every year and another 315,000 people living with the after-effects of stroke. The Canadian Stroke Congress is co-hosted by the Canadian Stroke Network, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Stroke Consortium.
The Canadian Stroke Network, www.canadianstrokenetwork.ca, is a national research network headquartered at the University of Ottawa. It includes scientists, clinicians and health-policy experts committed to reducing the impact of stroke.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke, reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.
Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.
SOURCE: Canadian Stroke Congress
and/or interviews, contact
The CSC 2012 MEDIA OFFICE (Sept.30 to Oct. 2) at 403-218-7868
Cathy Campbell, Canadian Stroke Network, 613-852-2303 (cell)
Holly Roy, Heart and Stroke Foundation, 780-991-2323
Congress information at www.strokecongress.ca
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