High Blood Pressure and Stroke
Jan 27th, 2026
High Blood Pressure: The Silent Stroke Trigger
High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke.
The problem? Most people don’t feel it.
You can have dangerously high blood pressure and still feel “normal.”
Why High Blood Pressure Is So Dangerous
Over time, high blood pressure:
Damages blood vessels
Makes arteries stiff and narrow
Increases the chance of clots or bleeding in the brain
That’s how strokes happen—often without warning.
“I Feel Fine” Is Not a Safety Sign
Many older adults stop medication because:
They feel okay
Their blood pressure was “better last time”
They worry about side effects
This is risky. Blood pressure can rise again silently.
What Actually Helps
Take your medication every day (even when you feel well)
Check blood pressure regularly at home or pharmacy
Reduce salt (processed food is the main culprit)
Walk daily 10–15 minutes helps
Bottom Line
High blood pressure doesn’t hurt until it causes a stroke.
Control it now to protect your brain, mobility, and independence later.
Home Safety Tips for Stroke Survivors
December 21th, 2025
After a stroke, changes in balance, strength, vision, and memory can increase the risk of injury at home. A few practical adjustments can greatly improve safety and independence.
Prevent Falls (Most Important)
Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter
Keep floors dry and walking paths clear
Wear non-slip shoes (avoid socks alone)
Keep commonly used items within easy reach
Improve Lighting & Visibility
Bright lighting in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms
Night lights for bedroom-to-bathroom paths
Easy-to-reach light switches or motion lights
Use contrasting colours to highlight edges and fixtures
Make the Bathroom Safer (Highest-Risk Area)
Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
Use non-slip mats in the tub and on floors
Consider a shower chair and a hand-held showerhead
Use a raised toilet seat if standing is difficult
Adjust Living & Bedroom Areas
Bed height allows feet flat on the floor
Clear, direct path from bed to bathroom
Use sturdy chairs with armrests
Avoid low or unstable furniture
Simplify the Kitchen
Store frequently used items at waist height
Use lightweight cookware and electric appliances with auto shut-off
Sit for food prep if balance is poor
Use Mobility & Assistive Aids
Properly fitted cane or walker
Handrails on both sides of the stairs
Reachers/grabbers to avoid bending
Non-slip footwear
Get Professional Help
A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assess the home, recommend equipment, and teach safe movement techniques.
Stroke Fatigue: The Invisible Symptom
December 12th, 2025
What Stroke Fatigue Really Feels Like
Stroke fatigue is one of the most common effects of stroke, yet it is often misunderstood. It is not ordinary tiredness. Many survivors describe it as a deep exhaustion that appears suddenly and does not always improve with sleep. Simple activities—talking, concentrating, or reading—can drain energy quickly.
Why Fatigue Happens After Stroke
After a stroke, the brain must work much harder to complete everyday tasks. Once automatic actions now require extra focus and effort. This increased mental workload leads to both physical and cognitive fatigue. Survivors may notice slower thinking, difficulty finding words, irritability, or a heavy, foggy feeling in the head.
Why Others Don’t Always See It
Stroke fatigue is invisible. Because there are no obvious physical signs, friends and family may underestimate its impact. Comments like “just rest more” or “push through it” are common but unhelpful. Ignoring fatigue or forcing activity often makes symptoms worse and can delay recovery.
Managing Fatigue Without Guilt
Managing stroke fatigue begins with accepting that it is real. Rest is a medical need, not a weakness. Pacing activities, taking planned breaks, and focusing on priorities can help preserve energy. Learning limits takes time and requires patience.
Supporting Recovery
Understanding stroke fatigue allows survivors and caregivers to set realistic expectations. Recovery is not only about regaining strength—it is also about protecting the brain as it heals. Recognizing and respecting fatigue is an essential part of long-term recovery and quality of life.
Stroke is often labelled an older adult’s disease, but this assumption masks a growing reality: stroke rates in people under 45 are rising worldwide. When young adults dismiss the possibility, they delay treatment and overlook preventable risks.
The Hidden Risk Factors 🩺
Many causes of early stroke develop quietly. High blood pressure, diabetes, untreated heart conditions, smoking, and even certain genetic clotting disorders can affect younger bodies just as strongly as older ones. Long work hours, poor sleep, high stress, and vaping introduce additional strain that young adults tend to normalize.
Because symptoms—weakness, numbness, trouble speaking—seem “too severe” for someone in their 20s or 30s, many brush them off as stress or fatigue. This leads to dangerous delays in seeking emergency care, and every minute lost increases brain damage.
Why Awareness Matters 📣
Earlier recognition saves lives and prevents lifelong disability. When young adults understand that stroke is not age-exclusive, they’re more likely to take symptoms seriously, manage blood pressure, and seek help instantly.
Raising awareness now reduces long-term health and economic costs for individuals and communities.
Young Adults Are Not Immune to Stroke
November 20th, 2025
Most people treat their brain like a Wi-Fi router: ignore it until it glitches. Terrible strategy. Neurons are metabolically expensive, with electrical signals firing 24/7.
Omega-3s: The Non-Negotiable Fuel
EPA and DHA form the cell membranes of neurons. Low intake? Expect slow thinking, mood instability, and brittle synaptic connections. Fish oil haters are delusional; your brain is literally built out of these fats. Plant “omega-3s” (ALA from chia/flax) barely convert.
Creatine: Not Just for Gym
Your brain burns ATP like a bankrupt gambler. Creatine is an ATP buffer. It improves short-term memory, reaction time, and fatigue resistance. Anyone calling it a “muscle drug” hasn’t touched a study since 1997.
Electrolytes = Neural Conductivity
Sodium, potassium, and magnesium fuel action potentials, the electrical signals neurons fire. Low magnesium = migraines, anxiety, brain fog. No amount of yoga fixes ion imbalance.
Choline: Memory’s Raw Material
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of learning + attention. Eggs are gold. Vegetable activists crying about cholesterol need to learn what homeostasis means.
Sleep = Neural Filing
No supplement patches chronic sleep stupidity. During REM, your brain consolidates memory and prunes useless neural branches. Skip sleep is a bad idea.
Antioxidants: Brain Rust Prevention
Your brain is fatty and oxygen-hungry—perfect for oxidative stress. Blueberries, spinach, and turmeric (containing curcumin) protect neurons from inflammation and free radical damage. Don’t obsess over supplements; eat colours.
Brain Killers
• Constant sugar spikes
• Alcohol (neurotoxin, stop romanticizing it)
• Ultra-processed seed oil-based snacks
• Chronic sleep debt
Brain Nutrition: Feed Your Neurons, Not Just Your Stomach.
November 6th, 2025
Inside the ER:
When someone arrives at the emergency room with signs of a stroke, every minute matters. A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. Because brain cells begin to die within minutes, fast action can save both life and long-term function.
1. Immediate Response
If stroke symptoms are recognized — sudden weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or loss of balance — hospital staff call a “stroke alert.” The patient is seen right away, without waiting. Nurses quickly check vital signs, blood sugar, and oxygen levels, while a doctor performs a brief neurological exam to assess strength, speech, and vision.
2. Imaging and Diagnosis
The next step is a CT scan of the brain, usually done within minutes. This scan shows whether the stroke is caused by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Treatment depends entirely on this result, so imaging happens before any medication is given.
3. Treatment Decisions
If the stroke is due to a clot and occurred within the last 4.5 hours, doctors may give a clot-busting drug such as tPA or tenecteplase to restore blood flow.
If a larger artery is blocked, a mechanical thrombectomy may be performed — a minimally invasive procedure that removes the clot through a catheter inserted in the groin or wrist.
4. Monitoring and Recovery
After treatment, patients are admitted to a stroke or neuro-intensive care unit for continuous monitoring. Blood pressure, brain swelling, and neurological function are watched closely. The healthcare team will also begin early rehabilitation and discuss next steps with the family.
Key Takeaway
Recognizing stroke symptoms early and calling 911 immediately can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Remember the acronym FAST:
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.
What Happens When a Stroke Patient Arrives
October 24th, 2025
What You Should Know
Stroke can happen to anyone, but your family and genes may increase your risk. Here’s a simple guide:
Genes Can Affect Stroke Risk
Some inherited traits make blood clot more easily or affect blood vessels.
Examples:
Factor V Leiden: may increase clotting risk.
APOE gene: affects cholesterol and heart health.
Having a gene doesn’t mean you will have a stroke, just that your risk is higher.
Family History Counts
If a parent or sibling had a stroke, your risk may be higher.
Lifestyle Still Matters
High blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can increase stroke risk, even with genes.
Healthy habits can help lower your risk.
Genetic Testing
Tests can show if you have inherited risk factors.
They can guide your doctor on prevention steps.
Genes are only part of the story—lifestyle is still very important.
Take Action Early
Know your family history.
Talk to your doctor about testing and prevention.
Eat healthy, stay active, control blood pressure, and avoid smoking.
Key Takeaway:
Your genes may influence stroke risk, but healthy habits and early prevention make a big difference. It’s never too late to protect your brain and heart.
The Role of Genetics in Stroke Risk
October 1st, 2025
The Benefit of Exercise
September 20th, 2025
Why Exercise Matters After Stroke
Exercise is one of the best ways to support recovery after a stroke. Regular movement helps improve balance, strength, and coordination, while also boosting mood and energy. Even small amounts of daily activity—like walking, stretching, or light strength exercises—can make a big difference.
Tips to get started:
Start slow and build up gradually.
Focus on safe, simple movements.
Aim for consistency, not perfection.
Always check with your healthcare team before beginning a new routine.
Remember: every step counts toward regaining independence and improving quality of life.
Scrapbook Making with Registered Nurse Julia
Sept 5, 2025
On August 22nd, we had the pleasure of welcoming Nurse Julia back to lead the Burnaby Stroke Group in scrapbook making.
Healthy Eating Habits After a Stroke
August 19th, 2025
Recovering from a stroke isn’t just about rehab — what you eat plays a big role in healing and preventing another stroke. Simple changes in your diet can strengthen your body and protect your brain.
Key Tips:
Eat more plants: Vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Choose lean proteins: Fish, skinless poultry, tofu, or beans give energy without excess fat.
Limit salt and sugar: Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure, while added sugars increase the risk of heart disease.
Healthy fats only: Use olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados instead of butter or fried foods.
Stay hydrated: Drink enough water, avoid sugary drinks, and limit your alcohol intake.
Bottom Line
Small, consistent food choices matter. Every balanced meal supports recovery and lowers the chance of another stroke.
If Someone You Love Has a Stroke
August 8th, 2025
It’s scary. For them. For you. Life changes overnight, and suddenly you’re both learning a new normal. The truth? You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to be there.
Learn what they’re going through. Celebrate the tiniest wins. Let them try things, even if it takes longer. Sit with them in the hard moments without rushing to fix them. And please take care of yourself, too.
Key ways to help:
Learn about strokes and the recovery process.
Celebrate small milestones.
Encourage rehab and be their cheerleader.
Support independence without taking over.
Listen and validate their feelings.
Care for your health and energy.
Your steady love can be the anchor they hold onto while they rebuild their world.
What Is a Stroke? Know the Facts!
July 31st 2025
A stroke is a medical emergency when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die from lack of oxygen. It can lead to serious issues like disability or even death. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Stroke:
- Ischemic: Most common (87%), caused by a clot blocking a brain blood vessel.
- Hemorrhagic: Less common, caused by a brain blood vessel rupture.
- TIA (Mini-Stroke): Temporary blockage, a warning sign of future stroke risk.
Spot the Signs with FAST:
- Face drooping: Uneven smile?
- Arm weakness: One arm drifting down?
- Speech difficulty: Slurred or hard to speak?
- Time to call 911: Act fast if you see these!
Risk Factors:
- Controllable: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol.
- Uncontrollable: Age, family history, prior stroke.
Time is critical—knowing the signs can save a life!
Share to spread awareness.
Flower Bouquet Making - July 25th 2025
By Nurse Julia
The stroke group had a special meeting led by by Registered Nurses Julia and Linda. Participants were able to participate in bouquet making activity and got to take their bouquet home to their families. This recovery focused and fun activity would not have been possible without the support of some amazing community donations.
A special shoutout to our donors:
Ami from @fieldtostand
Jenise from www.floralsupport.ca
Leanne from @infinityacresfarm
Riley for a monetary donation
