May is National Stroke Awareness Month, making now the perfect time to recognize the risk factors and warning signs of the third leading cause of death in American women. Protect yourself and the people you love by arming yourself with these important facts.
Learn the warning signs of a stroke. Think FAST:
• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Pay attention to whether one side of the face droops.
• A – Arms: Have the person raise both arms. Does one arm fall downward uncontrollably?
• S – Speech: Have a person repeat a phrase (Like “Old McDonald had a farm”). Check for slurred or strange speech.
• T – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Other stroke symptoms include the sudden onset of any of the following: numbness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, severe headache, dizziness, and loss of balance. Note the time the first symptom was experienced. The next three hours are crucial; if treatment is received within this timeframe, the chances are much better of a sustainable recovery.
Women in particular can experience unique stroke symptoms, all of which occur suddenly:
• Face and/or limb pain
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• General Weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart Palpitations
Male or female, studies have shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent 80% of strokes (and a myriad of other ailments). This includes being moderately active, keeping blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight under control, and eating a large assortment of fruits and vegetables every single day. Want to assess your risk? Take this quiz.
Other great resources:
• National Stroke Association
• American Stroke Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Stroke Awareness
We at Family Healthcare of Siouxland are your partners in health. If you have concerns or would like to know how you can minimize your risk for stroke and other diseases, schedule your physical today. A healthy life awaits.