Pictured: Two stroke survivors, Malcom Krause and Preston Worley participating in our annual Stepping Out Against Stroke 3K, along with their stroke therapist Kelley Drabek this past March 2016.
During the month of May each year, we bring awareness to stroke. It is important to familiarize yourself with stroke anytime, but a great refresher during this Stroke Awareness Month. Did you know that stroke is the #4 cause of death among adults in the U.S.? About 40% of stroke deaths occur in males and 60% of stroke deaths occur in females. The acronym FAST has an important role to help you recognize the signs of stroke. FAST stands for:
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911 or any other medical emergency numbers
80% of strokes can be prevented. Prevention includes, but is not limited to: Lowering your systolic by 20 mmHg and lowering your diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg may decrease your risk of stroke and ischemic heart disease by about 50%. Prevention and staying active is important as stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability among adults in the U.S. Check out the infographic below for more FAST Facts about Stroke from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
