When a stroke occurs, it’s important to respond quickly to prevent disability or death. Here’s how to recognize the signs of stroke — and how you can reduce your risk of having one.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn about the signs of stroke and what you can do to reduce your risk of having one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing what to do can help prevent disability from stroke — and even save a life.
When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off, causing brain cells to die. The most effective treatments are available only if the stroke is diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms, so fast access to medical care can make the difference between complete recovery and permanent disability.
An easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke is to use the acronym FAST:
F - Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
A - Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
S - Speech difficulty: Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand?
T - Time to call 911: If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.
Other signs that someone may be having a stroke and should seek immediate medical attention include
Anyone, including children, can have a stroke at any time. Stroke risk factors include family history, gender, ethnicity, and age, among others. Women have unique risk factors for stroke, but not all women are equally at risk; Black women are more likely to have a stroke than any other racial or ethnic group of women in the United States.
In addition, the following conditions can increase your risk for a stroke:
Fortunately, up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. The American Heart Association offers Life's Simple 7 tips for making healthy choices to reduce your risk, including not smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and managing your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
If you have a health condition that can increase the risk of stroke, managing it properly can help lower your risk. If you have medical coverage through the Board of Pensions, learn about and take advantage of the benefits and programs available to help manage these conditions.
For example, if you're enrolled in the PPO, EPO, or HDHP medical option, you have access to
Get more details about these benefits and other features of the Medical Plan.
