Each year about “795,000 people suffer a stroke”, and “More than 140,000 people die each year from a stroke”. These statistics come from http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/ and show the magnitude strokes have on this country.
May is Stroke Awareness Month so this blog will be dedicated to raising stroke awareness and how you can help raise awareness. I also have given the common signs of a stroke so you can help detect it early!
First I am going to tell you some signs and symptoms of a stroke. It is important to know that if you see any of these signs to call 911 right away. Catching a stroke early can save that person’s life.
|
Signs/Symptoms |
Prevention |
| Sudden numbness on one side of body. |
· Eat a healthy, balanced diet with less added sugars and saturate fats. · Be active! · Stop smoking. · Consume alcohol in moderation. |
| Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding. | |
| Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. | |
| Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. | |
| Sudden severe headache. |
How you help spread awareness!
- Steps to Stop Stroke: Being physically active can lower risks for a stroke by 25%-30%, so, stroke.org has come up with a national way to challenge people to lower their risk and the risks of loved ones. Visit http://www.stroke.org/stroke-resources/raise-awareness-stroke/national-stroke-awareness-month/get-active for more information!
- Share stroke awareness posts, write letters to legislatures about supporting stroke sufferers, and create presentations to present to different audiences. These are just a few examples of ways you can help spread awareness.
If you are unsure where to start to help spread awareness of stroke go to http://www.stroke.org/stroke-resources/raise-awareness-stroke/national-stroke-awareness-month#quizTitle to view some great ideas to help you get started!
“A stroke is an emergency – it can happen to anyone, at any time, and at any age”- stroke.org
Help spread awareness!