Posted In Health Tips on May 01, 2024
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds someone dies of a stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, but it is preventable and treatable!
A stroke is a brain attack caused by either a blood clot obstructing flow to the brain (an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupture (hemorrhagic stroke). This causes damage to a region of the brain that controls a particular body function, and that part of the body will not work as well.
To reduce your risk of stroke, it is important to manage your stroke risk factors:
- Control medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol
“BE FAST” to know the signs and symptoms of stroke. The longer a stroke goes untreated the greater the risk is for lasting damage and disability:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance
- Eyes: Sudden double vision or vision loss
- Face: One side drooping
- Arms: One arm weak or numb
- Speech: Slurred speech
- Time: Call 911 right away
