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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 20, 2006 - 19 Ironman living proof heart and stroke research pays off By Rainer Stadus SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Thousands of Canadians will lace up for life at the Cheerios Heart and Stroke Walk for Heart in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 24. Participants from 73 communities in six provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) will be raising money to help the foundation in its fight against heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death among Canadians. This year, hundreds of hospital and university-based researchers and research teams are counting on us to make a difference by reaching our new goal of $3.2 million. The funds raised will help people like Nathan Stewart of Oakville, 31, who suffered a stroke at age 27 as he was preparing to leave for a white water rafting trip that day. He woke up with the entire left side of his body completely paralyzed. Stewart was taken to the hospital by ambulance where tests revealed his strength was only at 10 per cent. However, once he got to the hospital he was slowly able to move his limbs and his speech was not impaired. A CAT scan of his brain showed that there was no aneurysm so doctors immediately put Stewart on aggressive blood thinners. This helped avoid permanent brain damage from the clot. But further testing indicated that Stewart suffered a Lacunar infarction stroke caused by a serious hole in his heart. This hole allowed a blood clot to pass through thing like this happens to you. Life is short and we need to live each day like it is a gift." Stewart works for the Region of Halton as a traffic technician. "Statistics show that approximately 51 percent of Canadian women and 47 percent of Canadian men are physically inactive. Walking just a half-hour each day can make a difference to your heart health," said cardiologist Dr. Beth Abramson, Heart and Stroke Nathan Stewart his heart. He was released from the hospital a week after his stroke, when 90 per cent of his strength returned. Stewart was off work for six weeks as he recovered. On April 1, 2005 Stewart had an umbrella-like implant placed in his heart to close the hole. This allowed him to avoid taking blood thinners for the rest of his life. Today, he continues to lead the extremely active lifestyle he had before his stroke. Stewart has competed in two Ironman triathlons as well as over 100 other triathlons, mountain bike, running, and swimming races. He also plans on competing in the Ironman Lake Placid and qualifying for the World Championships in Hawaii next year. His neurologist felt that it was Stewart's exceptional physical condition that helped him recover so rapidly. However, Stewart says that maintaining an active lifestyle following his stroke has been difficult. "I have at times battled anxiety attacks due to the stress of having another stroke. You look at life differently when some- Foundation spokesperson. "In fact, one in three deaths in Canada are due to heart disease and stroke. That's why it is so important for Canadians to show their support of critical heart and stroke research by participating in this fun, family-oriented event." Previously known as the Cheerios Heart and Stroke Mother Daughter Walk, this year, with its brand new name, the Cheerios Heart and Stroke Walk for Heart reflects the inclusiveness of this flagship fundraising event. It's a non-competitive walk for the whole family. It also marks an important international occasion on September 24 ­ World Heart Day. The Halton walk is at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Burloak Drive north of QEW, at the Green Zone near Parking Lot A, starting at 10:30 a.m. Participants will follow a scenic 2.5- or a five-kilometre route. Check in time is 9 a.m. and the walk warm-up and opening ceremonies starts at 10:15 a.m. See Walk page 20 We Know MORTGAGES LOANS · LINE OF CREDIT "We specialize in hard to place mortgages" Why do you never clean your mattress? You spend about one third of your life on your mattress, it's just about the dirtiest place in your home. The warm and moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and mold viruses which are a major allergenic trigger. So how do you know if your mattress needs cleaning ­ well now you can find out. Sleepclean offers an absolutely free ­ no obligation mattress healthcheck, it takes about 15 minutes and is a completely dry and chemical free process. 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Burlington Irish Dance Lessons with the GOGGIN-CARROLL SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Recreational or Competitive Programs For Children ages 5 and up Accepting Dancers for our Beginner Fall Programs Classes Starting Now For more information call 1-800-663-7557 FREE KIDS EAT * *Every Sunday and Monday one child 10 years and under eats FREE from the kids menu with the purchase of one adult entrée. SKATE & DRESS SALE Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006 River Oaks Recreation Centre 2400 Sixth Line 9:00 am to Noon For More Information, call (905) 844-0333 or email ARTICLES TO SELL? Bring them to the River Oaks Rec Centre Friday, Sept. 22, 2006 Between 6pm and 9 pm A Handling Fee of $1.00 per pair of skates and $.75 per article of clothing must be paid at drop-off. 15% of the selling price of all sold items is kept by the OSC. barb@goggin-carroll.com or visit us on the web at AMC Theatres Oakville Place Mall www.goggin-carroll.com