World Stroke Day

Do you know someone who has been the victim of a stroke? The chances are very high, as one in six people worldwide will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. In fact, one in four adults over the age of 25 are victims of a stroke. Strokes are the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

 
On World Stroke Day, it is vitally important to bring awareness to learning the warning signs of a stroke, get immediate help to stroke victims, and also how to prevent strokes from occurring. 

There are two types of strokes – Ischemic and Hemorrhagic. An Ischemic stroke is the most common and occurs when the brain’s blood vessels become blocked or narrowed. A Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures. Strokes are extremely dangerous and victims can die in a matter of seconds without immediate medical attention. Also, the longer a stroke victim goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage or disability.

It is essential to recognize the warning signs of a stroke FAST – Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty = Time to Call 911. The faster a stroke victim is treated, the more likely they are to recover. There are seven key factors that can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke – manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, be more active, eat healthier foods, lose weight, and stop smoking.