Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke and roughly 80% may be preventable with lifestyle changes and screening.
A stroke occurs when normal blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The month sheds light on knowing the signs of a stroke and taking steps to prevention a stroke, says Cleveland Clinic Dr. Christina Xia.
“Bring more attention to stroke and what the symptoms are so that people are able to recognize it a little bit faster and then get the appropriate treatment because in the US every 40 seconds somebody is effected by a stroke.”
When someone is experiencing a stroke, time is key.
“Every minute 2 million neurons are getting damaged and dying and so the faster we’re able to get somebody to the hospital, to get evaluated, to get treatment the better the outcome.”
Dr. Xia also reminds folks of the acronym BE FAST.
B – balance loss
E – eyesight changes
F – facial dropping
A – arm or leg weakness or numbness
S – speech difficulty
T – time to call 911
She adds there are steps to limit stroke risk factors.
“Having regularly scheduled doctor visits, a healthy diet, as well as regularly exercising about 30 minutes three times a week.”
For more details about stroke awareness, go to the Ohio Department of Health’s website.
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