May is National Stroke Awareness Month

When it comes to stroke, every second counts! Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated.

Rapid access to medical treatment often times make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

The Facts:

• Stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
• 80% of all strokes are preventable.
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of severe disability.
• On average, one person dies from stroke every 4 minutes.
• More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S.
• Stroke kills almost 130,000 of the 800,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year—that’s 1 out of every 19 deaths from all causes.

A stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain and can affect a person’s speech, movement, memory, and more. It’s important to know the signs of a stroke and get help quickly. Some of the warning signs include:

• Weakness in the face, arm, or leg
• Difficulty speaking
• Vision loss
• Dizziness
• Brief loss of consciousness

Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T. (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, Time to call 911 if someone is having a stroke.

If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately and note the time when the first symptoms appeared.

Prevent stroke by following the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Life’s Simple 7 tips:

• Manage blood pressure
• Control cholesterol
• Reduce blood sugar
• Get active
• Eat better
• Lose weight
• Stop smoking

Talk to your doctor about ways you can take small steps now to improve your health.

The following are resources regarding stroke signs and symptoms.

https://www.medicare.gov/blog/stroke-awareness-month-2020#:~:text=May%20is%20National%20Stroke%20Awareness%20Month.

https://www.stroke.org/

https://closingthehealthgap.org/may-is-national-stroke-awareness-month-2021/