A Healthy Ontario: Lowering the Risks of Stroke
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Risk factors – including high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease – significantly increase a person’s chance of having a stroke.

In addition to the toll on a person and his or her family and friends, it is estimated that stroke care costs the Ontario economy almost a billion dollars each year. There is also a high burden of disability due to dementia as well as depression for both survivors and care partners.

The Ontario Stroke System (OSS) is a comprehensive and integrated approach that aims to decrease the incidence of stroke and improve patient care and outcomes for those who experience stroke – particularly among vulnerable populations.

Since its inception in 2000, the OSS has made significant improvements in stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment. There have been positive impacts on access to stroke-related services through The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, treatment for stroke, and the integration and coordination of stroke care.

More Stroke Prevention Programs
In partnership with various groups, the Ministry of Health Promotion also addresses Stroke Prevention through:

• Ontario Heart Health Program, which promotes ways to manage health risks;
• FOCUS Community Program, which addresses alcohol and drug abuse in 22 high-risk communities across Ontario;
• Smoke-Free Ontario, which encourages Ontarians to stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke;
• Community Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program, funded to offer community clinics on cardiovascular health for older adults; and
• Prevent Stroke, helps Ontario health care providers find programs and services that can help prevent stroke.