October: Friday, October 29th Is World Stroke Day

World Stroke Day is observed to highlight the seriousness and commonness of strokes. 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime. There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to strokes but here are some ways to help prevent a stroke:

• Monitor your blood pressure.
• Control your cholesterol.
• Keep your blood sugar down.
• Get active.
• Don’t smoke.

Here are the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke-Act FAST:

• F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
• A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
• T = Time to call 911*

For more information on stroke prevention and intervention, please watch this video: *not sure how to embed this video*

*Information adapted from the American Stroke Association https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association/world-stroke-day