Stroke Awareness day

Many of us have a loved ones that have experienced this terrifying experience, because 1 in 4 Americans will experience a stroke in some capacity. No matter the severity, strokes can have life-long impacts, including disability and even death. It is important to educate yourself about signs and symptoms of a stroke to prepare for a time of action when it is absolutely necessary. 

To be prepared for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, remember to BE FAST:

• Balance Loss
• Eyesight Loss
• Facial Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulty
• Time to call 911

Those are the primary signs of a stroke, but others may include: confusion, difficulty understanding, dizziness, loss of balance, numbness, severe headache, trouble walking, vision changes, and weakness. Please note that these symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to a stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention. 

A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, but there are a number of risk factors for stroke that you can manage. These risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation (A-fib)
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity

By educating yourself and others about the risk factors and symptoms of a stroke, you may be able to prevent further damage to the individual's mind and body. Help spread stroke awareness and empower others to take action!

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