On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds. Every 3.3 minutes, someone

dies of a stroke. Stroke is the leading diagnosis from hospital to long-term care.

 Not a Woman's Disease?

•  Heart Disease and Stroke kill over 12 times more women than breast cancer

• One in Two women die of heart disease or stroke (1 in 30 of breast cancer)

• About one-fourth of the women who have a stroke are under age 65

• More than 2 million women in the United States are living with the devastating consequences of stroke

• How many women are caregivers for others?

A "HEART ATTACK" occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to part of the HEART becomes clogged.

A STROKE is a "BRAIN ATTACK." This occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to part of the brain becomes clogged or bursts.

Stroke Warning Signs or Mini-Strokes occur suddenly and may last a few seconds to a few minutes. These Warning Signs are PAINLESS and usually affect one side of the body, speech, ability to walk, facial muscles, sight, or strength and coordination.

Stroke is an EMERGENCY

Call 911. Stroke is a BRAIN ATTACK!

TIME IS BRAIN!  Without oxygen brain cells begin to die and once brain cell death has occurred it is permanent. Other parts of the brain must be taught to take over for the brain affected area and the lack of motor control from the body . This recovery period takes time, intensive therapy, and continuous support to achieve.

Be Stroke Smart remember the 3 R's :

Reduce :  Stroke Risk factors

Recognize:  Stroke Symptoms

Respond:  Call 911

 

Stroke Prevention: Risk reduction lifestyle changes

1. Lose weight if necessary

2. Lower blood pressure if elevated

3. Make sure cholesterol levels, both LDL and HDL, are within normal limits

4. Exercise 30 minutes per day  (A brisk walk will increase your heart rate!)

5. Check your family history for heart or stroke heredity factors

6. Work as a team with your physician to prevent stroke or heart disease from occuring in your life.

What's in the future for Stroke Treatment?

•  Increased public awareness
• More rapid response by public and medical profession
• Combination of new drug therapies to reduce the damage of stroke
• Better Rehabilitation