Be Aware: Stroke Prevention Month

By Maureen Daly

As we go through Stroke Prevention Month, we should all be mindful about the threats of stroke.

More than 800.000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year. One in four of us will have a stroke during our lifetime.

People with conditions including COPD, Diabetes, Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure are predisposed to strokes. National Stroke Awareness Month and a great time to review the warning signs of a stroke and learn to "B.E.F.A.S.T."

"Be Fast" indicates Balance. Eyes. Face. Arm Speech and Time.

B- Balance Watch for sudden loss of balance.

E- Eyes Check for vision changes

F- Face Look for an uneven smile or droop in face

A- Arm Check for weakness in one arm

S- Speech Listen for slurred speech

T- Time Call 9-1-1 immediately

The American Stroke Associations recommends that if you experience any of the above listed symptoms that you call 9-1-1 immediately.

People can experience strokes at any age. It is better to go to the hospital and have a stroke ruled out than to leave one without treatment.

On average someone dies of a stroke every three- and one-half minutes in the United States. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term debilitation.

Strokes are the leading cause of preventable disability. When it comes to strokes: time matters.

Immediate action can prevent brain damage and long-term disability. For further information check out www.stroke.org.