Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. It is important to recognize the different types of stroke, the symptoms and how to reduce your risk. Your stroke risk increases with age especially if risk factors are not controlled early in ones 20's to 40's. Learn how you can prevent Stroke and help someone having a stroke in your presence.

Stroke Statistics

• Every 45 seconds, someone has a stroke in the US.
• 750,000 people per year have one
• Surveys suggest that 38% of 50+ year old individuals don't know where stokes happen in the body, 19% don't know how to prevent them.
• 3rd leading cause of death
• #1 cause of disability in adults
• 2/3 of all strokes happen to individuals over 65 years old
• Can cause $60,000+ in medical charges
• Males have a higher risk of stroke (2:00)
• African Americans also have a higher risk
• Lifestyle has a large effect on the risk of stroke

What we can't do to prevent Stroke

• Age: Changes of getting a Stroke double per decade of life
• Genetics
• Heredity: Males and African Americans have a higher risk (4:00)
• Gender: Males have a higher risk of getting a stroke, women are more likely to die of stroke
• Women taking birth control pills and smoking can get a stroke at a young age
• TIA Stroke = "mini strokes" - When someone has mini stroke, they are 10x more likely to have a major Stroke

What you can do to prevent Stroke

• Hypertension - Leading cause of Stroke. Testing your blood pressure over many years is vital to preventing Stroke.
• Smoking - Smoking can really elevate the risk of Stroke in the youth (9:00)
• Lower your Cholesterol - Someones weight and health has an effect on the likelihood of stroke. LDL Cholesterol should be less than 100.
• Keep blood sugar down - Diabetes can increase the risk of Stroke
• Eating overall healthier - Eat less saturated fat, less sodium, less carbs, and less calories. Watch out for deceptive product labels when grocery shopping. Smaller servings are generally better.
• Eating fish can be healthy, but avoid fish with high saturated fat content (12:00).
• Understand the food labels on packaged foods.
• Consume Omega-3, 4 to 6 grams daily.
• Physical activity - helps reduce plaque in the blood (17:00)
• Sleep apnea - increases risk of memory loss, heart attacks, headaches, and Stroke.
• Drugs - cocaine can induce Stroke. Don't do heavy/illegal drugs.
• Auto-immune diseases can increase Stroke risk in women
• Multiple miscarriages can increase the risk of Stroke in women.

Symptoms of an upcoming Stroke

(19:30)

• One side of the body becomes numb or week
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• Hard time understanding speech or seeing clearly
• Loss of balance
• Sudden severe headache (out of nowhere)

Different types of Stroke

• TIA stroke (mini-stroke)
• Ischemic Stroke
• Hemorrhagic Stroke

How does Stroke effect the brain?

(22:00)
Right-side brain Stroke = sight loss, can lead to behavioral issues, and loss of control of left side of the body.
Left-side brain Strokes = speech and language issues, behavioral issues, and loss of control of right side of the body.
Depression - Sadness, or suicidal.
Apathy - Don't won't to do anything (productive or fun) after having a stroke

Helping a Stroke patient

• Writing journal and sticky notes are great for helpful reminders
• Call 911, do not drive potential Stroke sufferers to hospital. The hospital prepares for Stroke patients upon 911 call. Clot-busting drugs will be given in ER. Extremely useful when given within
• 3 hours of Stroke, so 911 must be called to ensure a timely delivery.
• Strokes can effect neural network and may make the sufferer think he/she is fine and doesn't need help.
• F.A.S.T = Face, Arms, Speech Test = Does a smile effect one side of the face, does one arm drift downward, do they speak in normal sentences without slurring?

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