May is American Stroke Month
May is American Stroke Month. Stroke affects people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Fortunately, most strokes are preventable, and we all can take steps now to avoid having a stroke.
Fact: Stroke is our nation's No. 3 killer and a leading cause of disability.
- Each year, about 780,000 Americans have a stroke.
- On average, one stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
- Every 3-4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
- Stroke causes about one in 16 deaths.
- Stroke kills 2 million brain cells per minute and leaves survivors with physical and emotional disabilities.
Fact: Some people have a higher risk of stroke.
- About 60,000 more women than men suffer a stroke each year.
- African Americans have almost twice the risk of a first-ever stroke compared with Caucasians.
- People with high blood pressure (140/90+) have about twice the risk of stroke as people with blood pressure under 120/80.
Fact: More than 50 million Americans care for a chronically ill, aged or disabled loved one.
Fact: Stroke is highly treatable in the first three hours.
What can you do? Learn the warning signs:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- 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 with no known cause
...call 9-1-1 immediately if any occur.
If you have questions about strokes or brain attacks, please speak with your physician or a Resurrection Health Care Neurologist.
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