Stroke is the No. 2 cause of death worldwide and No. 5 in the United States. Despite being a leading cause of death and serious, longterm disability, stroke is largely preventable and treatable. In fact, as many as 80 percent of strokes are preventable.
According to a news release, during American Stroke Month in May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association encourages Missourians to lead healthier lives to reduce their risk of stroke and heart disease.
Since the American Stroke Association was founded two decades ago the stroke mortality rate in the U.S. has declined 40 percent. The faster you are treated for a stroke, the more likely you are to recover.
Awareness and action are key when it comes to stroke treatment. The American Stroke Association teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize the most common stroke warning signs and what to do if one occurs– F – Face Drooping; A – Arm Weakness; S – Speech Difficulty; T – Time to call 9-1-1. If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, you are urged to call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
For more information about American Stroke Month, visit the website, www.strokeassociation.org/strokemonth.