National Stroke Awareness Month 2021
American Stroke Month was created to promote public awareness and reduce the incidence of stroke in the United States. This year's call is to be #RelentlessTogether. When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain loss - awareness of its symptoms is imperative to quick action and can save lives.
You may visit the American Stroke Association’s official website to download their Stroke Guides.
Here are some quick facts.
5 Key facts about stroke
FACT #1: Stroke kills brain cells, it happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.
FACT #2: Types of stroke - Ischemic is caused by a clot, Hemorrhagic is caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke" is caused by a temporary blockage.
FACT #3: About one in four stroke survivors is at risk for another Fortunately, up to 80 percent of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
FACT #4: Prevention is key. Had a stroke? Create a plan with your doctor to prevent another, which may include managing high blood pressure and discussing aspirin or other medicine. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
FACT #5: Time lost is brain lost. Learn the FAST warning signs. F- Face Drooping A-Arm Weakness S -Speech Difficulty T- Time to call 911.
The American Stroke Association recommends following "Life's Simple 7" to achieve ideal health:
- Don't smoke
- Be physically active
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Control cholesterol
- Control blood pressure
- Reduce blood sugar
You can't control some risk factors for stroke. So it's important you know them:
Age
The likelihood of having a stroke increases with age for both males and females. Although stroke is more common among the elderly, a lot of people under 65 also have strokes. Even babies and children can have a stroke.
Family History
If your parent, grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke — especially before reaching age 65 — you may be at greater risk. Sometimes strokes are caused by genetic disorders like CADASIL, which can block blood flow in the brain.
Race
African-Americans have a much higher risk of death from a stroke than Caucasians do. This is partly because African-Americans have higher risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Visit the Empowered to Serve program to learn more. Hispanics and Latinos also have unique risks for stroke.
Gender
Women have more strokes than men and stroke kills more women than men. Women tend to live longer than men and are older when they have a stroke. Factors that may increase stroke risks for women include pregnancy, history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or gestational diabetes, oral contraceptive use (especially when combined with smoking), and post-menopausal hormone therapy. Be sure to discuss your risks with your doctor.
Prior Stroke, TIA or Heart Attack
A person who has had a prior stroke has a much higher risk of having another stroke than a person who has never had one. A person who's had one or more transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who hasn't. TIAs are smaller, temporary blockages in the brain that can produce milder forms of stroke-like symptoms but may not leave lasting damage. A TIA is a medical emergency. So follow up immediately with a healthcare professional.
If you've had a heart attack, you're at higher risk of having a stroke. A heart attack is caused by plaque buildup that blocks blood vessels to the heart. Similarly, most strokes are caused by a buildup of plaque that cause blockages in the brain.
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