Every year, about 200,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. While strokes can happen to anyone, even young people, they mostly affect those over 65. So, what’s the best way to spot a stroke? Just remember the word “FAST”:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 9-1-1!
Although treatable with emergency care, medications, and therapies, strokes can cause long-term problems with movement and sensation, thinking, speaking, understanding, and emotions.
The good news is that most strokes are preventable. While individuals cannot control the risk factors age or family history, there are risk factors that can be controlled:
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Using illicit drugs and overusing alcohol
Lifestyle changes and good habits can reduce your risk of stroke. These include:
- Quitting tobacco or not starting
- Exercising and being active
- Enjoying a healthy diet
- Taking your medications as prescribed
- Avoiding illicit drugs and too much alcohol
- Scheduling doctor appointments as directed
Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and discuss a healthy lifestyle that can keep you as healthy as possible.
If you have had a stroke, you can help prevent another one with routine care from your doctor, medications, and a lifestyle that helps reduce risk.
This information and more can be found at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/stroke