~~~ SPECIAL EDITION ~~~

National Stroke Awareness Month - May 2010

THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING HELP RIGHT AWAY

Stroke, or “brain attack,” is among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 780,000 individuals experience a stroke each year. It is estimated that a quarter of stroke survivors will suffer another stroke within five years of the first one.

Stroke affects people of all ages, race, gender and socio-economic status. Stroke happens very fast with little to no warning. Seeking medical attention immediately can make the difference between life and death. Every minute counts.

The RESCUE project has a fact sheet titled “About Stroke,” which provides general stroke information in easy-to-understand language. This fact sheet discusses the risk factors for stroke, ways to lower your risk and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately. The section below, from “About Stroke” lists the warning signs of a stroke.

If someone experiences one or more of the stroke warning signs listed below, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! These changes may last or may start, briefly subside, and then return.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg (mainly on one side)
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Sudden confusion or trouble talking or understanding speech
• Sudden bad headache with no known cause

Teaching someone how to recognize a stroke can be as easy as S-T-R.

1. S - Ask the person to SMILE.
2. T - Ask the person to TALK or SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently). Example: “It is sunny out today.
3. R - Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS together.

Take the “Warning: Stroke Ahead” quiz to see if you can recognize the warning signs of stroke: http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3070550

Stroke risk factors are behavioral or environmental (and include pre-existing conditions) which can increase the likelihood of a person experiencing stroke. The same risk factors that increase the chance of having a stroke for the first time also apply to having a second stroke. Though the significance of risk factors will vary from person to person, there are two general categories of stroke risk factors: controllable and uncontrollable risk factors (see below).

CONTROLLABLE High blood pressure Diabetes mellitus Carotid/other artery disease Atrial fibrillation Other heart disease Sickle cell disease High blood cholesterol Poor diet Physical inactivity/obesity Drinking alcohol Cigarette smoking

UNCONTROLLABLE Age Heredity Race Gender Prior cases/ conditions OTHER FACTORS Geographic location Socioeconomic

Uncontrollable stroke risk factors, such as age or gender, cannot be changed. On the other hand, controllable risk factors can be changed, managed or treated to reduce the likelihood of having a stroke. Two major modifiable stroke risk factors, high-blood pressure and diabetes, are also risk factors for coronary heart disease and kidney disease. Below are some common things you can do to take control of your health and reduce your stroke risk.

Making healthy choices, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing sodium intake, is a great start to preventing a stroke. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet plays an important role in managing blood pressure, blood sugar and weight. Daily exercise is also important for overall health and stroke prevention. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, which in turn can help keep blood pressure regulated. Even if exercising is limited or difficult, modified exercises or other activities, such as gardening, can be done. Two lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk for stroke and many other health conditions are 1) quitting smoking, and 2) reducing alcohol consumption. Smoking reduces oxygen level and thickens blood, which increases the risk of stroke, and alcohol can raise blood pressure.

Join the National Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) in celebrating National Stroke Awareness Month, May 2010.

This is an important time to educate the public about important stroke information, such as the warning signs of stroke and stroke risk factors. Did you know that research indicates that up to 80 percent of strokes might be prevented with prevention measures like better risk factor management? Learn more about risk factors for stroke, and if you are at risk, by visiting www.stroke.org/RISK.

Manageable risk factors for stroke include:

To learn more about stroke or find ideas for how to spread awareness this May, and all year long,
visit www.stroke.org/SAM.

THE FOLLOWING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT THIS WEB SITE:
www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/prevention

Educational materials available to download include: Information about cholesterol and how to control it Information about high blood pressure (hypertension) and how to control it Quick reference of the warning signs of a stroke A stroke risk scorecard A stroke risk checklist Informational fact sheets about stroke and how to prevent it Information on how to act F.A.S.T.