May is American Stroke Awareness Month

When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts!

Acting F.A.S.T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they need to survive and reduce damage to the brain. According to CDC, only a little more than 3 out of 5 people are aware of major stroke symptoms, and know to call 9-1-1 when someone is having a stroke.

Knowing Symptoms and Risk Factors

Can Help You Survive

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death, and can happen to anyone. When it comes to stroke, every second counts! Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated. Rapid access to medical treatment often times make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability. Control your risk factors to improve your brain health.

What is acting F.A.S.T.?

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F - Face

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

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A - Arms

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

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S - Speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

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T - Time

If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

Stroke Facts

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Strokes can happen to anyone at any age.

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80% of all strokes are preventable.

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Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.

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On average, one person dies from stroke every 4 minutes.

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More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S.

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Stroke kills almost 130,000 of the 800,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year.

How to Prevent a Stroke

You can help prevent having a stroke with a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Diet

Eating foods low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet can also lower your blood pressure. High cholesterol and high blood pressure increase your chances of having a stroke.

Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for stroke. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate your body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure excess body fat.

Physical Activity

Physical activity can help you stay at a healthy weight, and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. For adults, we recommend 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as a brisk walk, each week. Children and teens should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.