GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The American Stroke Association is warning that strokes themselves can happen to anyone, at any age.
Health experts with the association say that globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.
During American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, as part of a nationally supported collaboration with HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation, is reminding people of all ages that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable.
A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those affected brain cells die.
And with time being of essence, The American Stroke Association wants as many people as possible to know the F.A.S.T warning signs of a stroke, along with five other ways to keep one at bay.
- Learn how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth
- Watch the new F.A.S.T. public service announcement (PSA) featuring celebrities touched by stroke.
- Prevent another stroke – Talk to your doctor about managing risk factors to help prevent a second stroke. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth
- Take Control of your BP – Reduce your risk for stroke by knowing your blood pressure and keeping it in a healthy range.
- Raise your voice –Join the American Stroke Association’s You’re The Cure advocacy community at YouretheCure.org.
- Donate funds – Make a gift to defeat stroke at Stroke.org.
“Learning the warning signs and preventative measures are the best way to avoid strokes and keep them from happening again,” said Steven Manoukian, MD, FAHA, senior vice president, HCA Healthcare. “As a leading provider of stroke care, HCA Healthcare and our HCA Healthcare Foundation stand hand and hand with the American Heart Association in our mutually-developed and unique initiative entitled Getting to the Heart of Stroke to educate communities and providers, improve stroke care and prolong and improve the lives of patients.”
Health experts go onto say that a large majority of strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, healthy eating, managing your blood pressure, getting healthy sleep and quitting smoking and vaping, and warn that uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are major risk factors for stroke.
They encourage everyone to know their numbers and work with a health care professional to manage risks.
To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org.
