May 15, 2020
May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Crisp Living.
Stroke is ranked as the fifth most common cause of death in the U.S. One of the most lifesaving things a person can know is how to recognize the early signs of a stroke. Detecting these symptoms early can ensure that a person experiencing a stroke gets medical attention before it’s too late.
What causes a stroke?
A stroke is caused by loss of blood flow to the brain. This can happen because of a blood clot, a ruptured blood vessel, or even a traumatic injury. When blood flow is reduced to the brain, it is unable to function properly and can cause symptoms such as
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Numbness on one side of the body in the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty seeing
- Severe headache
Can you prevent a stroke?
Strokes can cause permanent memory loss and decreased brain function and mobility. Learn about the steps you can take now to decrease your chances of having a stroke.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise often
- Limit alcohol intake
- Keep a healthy weight
- Keep up with annual doctor’s visits
- Manage other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
How can you help?
Educate your friends, family, and community: One of the most important things you can do is to raise awareness about strokes, how to prevent them, and how to spot the signs of a stroke.
Take care of yourself: Prioritize your health, and always communicate with your doctor about any concerns you have. We tend to think it will never happen to us, but anyone can experience a stroke.
Know the signs: You could save someone’s life just by noticing the symptoms of a stroke and ensuring that the person gets medical attention. One helpful way to remember what to look for if you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke is the acronym FAST.
Face: Look for one side of the person’s face drooping.
Arms: A person experiencing a stroke may be only able to raise one arm.
Speech: Notice if the person is able to speak a simple sentence clearly, or if the person’s speech is slurred.
Time: If you notice these signs, you should call 911 immediately. It is vital that this person gets medical attention as soon as possible.
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