[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.101″ background_layout=”light”]<\/p>\n
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush designated the month of May as National Stroke Awareness Month. The purpose of this day is to increase public awareness about the warning signs of stroke and stroke prevention.<\/p>\n
Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and the fourth most common cause of death. A stroke occurs when blood flow through an artery to the brain is cut off either by a blockage or because the artery ruptures and bleeds into the brain tissue. More than 85 percent of strokes are because of blockage by a blood clot or plaque.<\/p>\n
Blood vessels can become blocked by a buildup of plaque in the vessel wall. When plaque or a blood clot travels through the blood and becomes wedged in a blood vessel because the diameter of the vessel is too small for it to pass, it is called an embolism. A cardiac embolism is an obstruction that travels from the heart to lodge in a blood vessel.<\/p>\n
The most common cause of a stroke is that blood stops flowing to the brain. In other words, blood is blocked by a clot or plaque in an artery leading to the brain\u2014a process called atherosclerosis. These are called ischemic strokes. More than 85 percent of strokes are ischemic and are preventable because they are caused by cardiovascular disease. Cardio-vascular disease can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating right, exercising, and not smoking.<\/p>\n
The other 15 percent of strokes are caused by blood leaking into the brain or between the brain and the skull. These are hemorrhagic strokes and happen when an artery leading to the brain bursts because it is weak or damaged from aging, or from years of high blood pressure. It\u2019s important for you to know the cause of the strokes and to talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment.<\/p>\n
Anyone can have a stroke. But according to the National Stroke Association, 80% of all strokes can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. 75% of all strokes happen to people over age 65. But there are other\u00a0factors you can\u2019t control, such as age, family history, race, gender (men are more likely), or having a previous stroke or heart attack. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk of having a Symptoms\u2026 Because tPA, a clot-busting drug, can only be administered to stroke\u00a0patients within the first three hours of the onset of stroke, recognizing the symptoms of stroke is very important. Every second counts! Just a few hours makes the difference between recovery or learning to walk and talk all over again\u2014or worse\u00a0still\u2014death.<\/p>\n If you think you might be having a stroke, don\u2019t wait, note the time, call 911,<\/strong> and say, \u201cI think I\u2019m having a stroke. Please take me to the nearest stroke treatment center as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Don\u2019t hesitate. Every moment you wait increases that person\u2019s risk of permanent\u00a0disability. You only have three hours from the time of your first symptom to receive\u00a0treatment that can minimize the damage to your brain.<\/p>\n The American Stroke Association developed this easy-to-remember guide to help\u00a0identify the signs of a stroke.<\/p>\n F \u2013 Face drooping<\/strong>. Is one side of the person\u2019s face drooping or numb? When he or\u00a0she smiles, is the smile uneven?<\/p>\n A -Arm weakness<\/strong>. Is the person experiencing weakness or numbness in one arm?\u00a0Have the person raise both arms. Does one of the arms drift downward? [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nstroke by talking to your doctor.
\n– Keep your blood pressure under control.<\/strong>
\n– Find out if you have atrial fibrillation<\/strong>
\n(Afib or AF).<\/strong>
\n– If you smoke, stop.<\/strong>
\n– Drink in moderation.<\/strong>
\n– Lower your cholesterol.<\/strong>
\n– Control your diabetes. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a stroke.<\/strong>
\n– Get regular physical activity.<\/strong>
\n– Diet. Foods you choose to eat are another factor that determines your risk for\u00a0<\/strong>stroke.<\/strong>
\n– Ask your doctor if you have blood or blood circulation problems that could increase your risk for stroke.<\/strong>
\n– See your doctor and follow up with any\u00a0<\/strong>recommended testing and treatment!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nS \u2013 Speech difficulty<\/strong>. Is the person\u2019s speech suddenly slurred or hard to understand?\u00a0Are they unable to speak? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. \u201cThe sky is blue\u201d\u00a0Can he or she repeat it back?
\nT \u2013 Time to call 9-1-1<\/strong>. If any of these symptoms are present, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
\nCheck the time so you can report when the symptoms began.<\/p>\n