TODAY'S HEALTH BLOG

TODAY'S CONTENT

  • Stroke

  • Choking

  • Heart attack

What is a Stroke?

Stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by a disruption in the flow of oxygenated blood. The effect is based on what part of the brain the Stroke occurred in and whether there was damage. There are more than 400,000 Canadians living with long-term stroke disability.

Signs and symptoms

Learn the acronym F.A.S.T. to help you to recognize the early signs and symptoms that may indicate a stroke. Call 911 and monitor the victim's ABC's until help arrives.

Taking a Red Cross CPR and First Aid course with CPRed.ca teaches you how to respond to a person who may be suffering a Stroke. Contact us today for information on booking an on-site First Aid and CPR course for work, home, or play!

Help! My child is choking...

Is it a mild or a severe choke? Mild choking results in a partial airway obstruction and the victim is able to cough. Severe choking is caused by a full blockage of the airway - no coughing, no sound.   

Mild choking

A coughing child indicates they are able to get a breath, otherwise coughing would not be possible. Encourage the child to continue coughing and monitor closely. Do not offer a drink if they are unable to speak and/or still coughing as this could result in a full blockage of the airway.

Severe choking

If the coughing or crying stops, it's possible the airway has become fully blocked and your infant can quickly become unconscious. It's important to act before this occurs by assisting with back blows and if necessary, chest compressions (abdominal thrusts for older children and adults).

  • Shout HELP and have someone call 911

  • Begin with up to 5 back blows between the should blades

  • If unsuccessful, continue with up to 5 chest compressions

Red Cross First Aid training

Our Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED courses teach you how to assist a conscious or unconscious choking person of any age with hands-on practical training. It's highly recommended instruction for anyone with infants and young children in the home. Contact us today to arrange a private course at home, for work, or for your organization and we will bring the training to you!

Are heart attacks different for women?

A heart attack is caused when the heart can't get enough oxygen because of a blockage in one of the arteries feeding the heart muscle. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of heart attack.

Several common signs include:

  • Squeezing chest pain

  • Problems breathing

  • Cold, sweaty skin

Soft signs (many women, elderly people, diabetics)

  • Mild, unfocused chest discomfort that comes and goes

  • Abdominal or back pain

  • Gastric discomfort

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada brings to light how heart attacks may present differently in women than men. MORE...