May is National Stroke Awareness Month. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number two cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of disability. That means one in six of us will experience a stroke in our lifetime.
In addition, approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. By controlling high blood pressure, not smoking, controlling blood sugar, implementing a healthy nutritional lifestyle, being physically active and reducing obesity are all some of the lifestyle recommendations one can implement to prevent a stroke. If you are curious about your risk factors for a stroke, feel free to take a minute to complete this quiz.
In terms of gender, strokes are more prevalent in women, so please consider viewing this infographic for risk factors and statistics to consider. In addition, an important concept to remember is F.A.S.T.
It’s good to be familiar with the following as they are the symptoms that indicate a Stroke:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
If you see someone with any of the indicators above or you yourself are experiencing these, it’s time to call 911. This is an important step that can make a tremendous difference in terms of recovery.
For many more resources and quizzes relating to strokes, please visit the American Stroke Association.
Additional Resource: Heart at Work, AHA
