the Baby Boom
Generation evolution continues....
Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider to tell you more.
Visit websites, such as The National Stroke Association at www.stroke.org
the American Stroke Association at www.strokeassociation.org
or National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Stroke
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. We invite you to learn as much as you can, for yourself, your loved ones, and everyone you know.
Did you know that stroke is the third leading cause of death in our country? And yet, 80% of strokes are preventable!
First, recognize the symptoms:
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side, in the face, arms, or legs
- sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- sudden trouble walking, balance or coordination, dizziness
- sudden severe headache with no known cause
To help you determine stroke symptoms you need to act F.A.S.T.
F = FACE Smile and notice if one side of the face droops
A = ARM Raise both arms and notice if one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Say a simple sentence and notice if the speech sounds slurred or strange?
T = TIME Call 9?1?1 or go to the nearest hospital or stroke center immediately of you experience or notice someone with any of these symptoms
Everyone has some risk of stroke, and many of the risk factors are beyond your control - such as your age, gender, ethnicity, family history, or other risk factors like diabetes. Even with these risk factors, learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to reduce your risk.
Prevention:
- Know your blood pressure and how to control it
- If you smoke - stop.
- Exercise
- lower sodium intake
- Alcohol in moderation
- Circulation
- High Cholesterol
- Controlling your Diabetes
Remember to ACT F.A.S.T and learn how to prevent strokes