Two Rivers Public Health Department would like to remind you that stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. About 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year, which is about equivalent to the total population of Eugene, Ore., or Savannah, Ga.   Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and while that is a statistic to some, it’s a life abruptly changed for the person who suffered the stroke and the person’s family.

A stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. This includes learning and following your ABCS:

·         Aspirin for people at risk

·         Blood pressure control

·         Cholesterol management

·         Smoking cessation

 

Less than half of Americans who should be taking an aspirin a day are taking one; less than half of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control. Only 1 in 3 Americans with high cholesterol is effectively treating it, and less than a quarter of Americans who smoke get help to quit when they see their doctor.

Stroke can cause death or significant disability, such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and emotional problems. When a stroke happens, it is important to recognize the symptoms, call    9-1-1 right away, and get to a hospital quickly where you can be treated.

The sudden onset of any of the following symptoms requires immediate medical attention:

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

·         Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

·         Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

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

·         Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

 

More than 2 million heart attacks and strokes occur every year and treatment for these conditions and other vascular diseases account for approximately $1 of every $6 healthcare dollars.

 

For more information call Two Rivers Public Health at 888-669-7154 or see our website: