May is National Stroke Awareness Month and I’m doing all I can to help raise awareness of the Number 5 cause of death (Number 3 for women!) and the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
I’ve been talking to my friends at the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and I’m passing along some information they’ve shared.
Thankfully, a large majority of stokes can be prevented. It goes without saying that we should take good care of ourselves; proper nutrition and exercise, along with getting the right amount of Zzzz’s is so important!
You and your health care professional should act as a team! Having a good relationship with your family doctor and understanding your risk factors is another step you can take to reduce your chance of a stroke.
Some risk factors are controllable and treatable, while others aren’t. Things like knowing where your blood pressure’s at and taking measures to keep it in a healthy range can help to keep you healthy, happy and here with your loved ones for years to come. High blood pressure is the Number 1 preventable cause of stroke and there are safe and effective treatments available to keep it in check.
Not to be alarmist, but stroke actually kills more women than men. In fact, one in five women between the ages of 55 and 75 will have a stroke. Take this seriously my friends. Learning how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. could save a life - maybe your own!
F- Face Drooping
A- Arm Weakness
S- Speech Difficulty
T- Time to Call 911
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, but most of us don’t know the F.A.S.T. warning signs. Because strokes need immediate medical help, recognizing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Having a stroke puts you at higher risk for a second one. This stroke month let’s come together to defeat stroke by acting F.A.S.T. Your health is in your hands. There’s loads of information and support at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth including checklists and information for healthy living tips. Visit them today.
