October 29 is World Stroke Day

Did you know that 1 in 4 people world wide will have a stroke? Healthy habits can protect and improve your brain function, which can also help to prevent a stroke.

Here are some steps you can take that may help you prevent stroke (taken from the American Stroke Association):

1. Monitor your blood pressure.

2. Control your cholesterol.

3. Keep your blood sugar down.

4. Get active.

5. Eat better.

6. Lose weight if you need to.

7. Don’t smoke.

8. Take medications, such as aspirin*, as prescribed by your primary care doctor or cardiologist.

*Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.

Also, learn the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke:

Remember to act FAST!

F- Facial drooping

A- Arm weakness

S- Speech (is speech slurred?)

T- Time to call 911

With stroke, it’s crucial to act quickly, to increase chances of recovery. If someone shows any of these signs, call 911 immediately:

Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

For more information, go to www.stroke.org which has some great resources.