May is National Stroke Awareness Month!

National Stroke Awareness Month takes place in May every year. In honor of this special time, National Stroke Association strives to provide everyone with the tools and inspiration to raise public awareness about stroke by hosting awareness events or activities. It doesn't matter if you are an individual or a large corporation, because the more people we reach, the better.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in America, but many people do not realize how educating themselves and others will help reduce the incidence of stroke. We urge you to specifically educate others about how to:

Am I at risk for a stroke?
Anyone can have a stroke no matter your age, race or gender. But, the chances of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, or criteria that can cause a stroke. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, and the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from stroke is to understand personal risk and how to manage it.

There are 2 types of risk factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable. Controllable risk factors generally fall into two categories: lifestyle risk factors or medical risk factors. Lifestyle risk factors can often be changed, while medical risk factors can usually be treated. Both types can be managed best by working with a doctor, who can prescribe medications and advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Uncontrollable risk factors include being over age 55, being male, being African American, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander, or having a family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:

• FACE:
  Ask the person to smile.
  Does one side of the face droop?
• ARMS:
  Ask the person to raise both arms.

  Does one arm drift downward?

• SPEECH:
  Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
  Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?


• TIME:
  If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
  Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.
RECOVERY

Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.

To enhance you or a family members quality of life after stroke, National Stroke Association encourages you to learn as many details as possible about stroke and recovery. Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%. Learn how to reduce your risk for a recurrent stroke by making lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions that could your increase stroke risk.
Please visit www.stroke.org for resources and information you and your caregiver can use to make as much progress in recovery as possible.

*This article was written In Loving Memory of our family members who were affected by Sroke.

Source: American Stroke Association






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