News: The high cost of strokes

Strokes are costing Canada $2.5 billion a year, reports the CBC. That number comes from a recent study that followed the direct and indirect costs for 232 stroke sufferers across the country. Costs associated with stroke, including medication, the need to modify the home for new disabilities, lost wages, disability leave and caregiver salaries, totaled $50,000 per person in the first six months. With more than 50,000 strokes occurring in Canada each year, that’s a huge chunk of change.

Investing in prevention is one of the ways we can reduce those costs, Dr. Mike Sharma, the director of Ottawa Hospital’s regional stroke program told the CBC. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, reducing sodium intake and increasing fitness were all on Sharma’s list of ways that might reduce healthcare expenses for stroke sufferers.

Do you think healthcare dollars are better spent on prevention or treatment?

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