Stroke Awareness Month: Understanding and Preventing Strokes
Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke.
May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about strokes, their impact, and how to prevent them. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but many strokes can be prevented with the right knowledge and lifestyle changes.
What is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cells dying within minutes.
Types of Strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding into the surrounding tissue.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a mini-stroke, it is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.
Recognizing the Signs: Remember the acronym FAST:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Get Involved: Join us in spreading awareness this month. Share information, participate in local events, and encourage loved ones to learn about stroke prevention. Together, we can make a difference.