May, National Stroke Awareness Month #1
Since it's May, and May is National Stroke Awareness month, I wanted to share important information from the American Stroke Association (National Stroke Association, www.stroke.org).
Facts
800,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes each year
5th highest cause of death in the United States
140,000 deaths in the U.S. each year
7,000,000 stroke survivors in the U.S.
Leading cause of disability
Up to 80% of all strokes are preventable through risk factor management
On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the U.S.
Women & Strokes
Stroke kills more than 2x as many American women every year as breast cancer
More women than men die from stroke, and the risk is higher for women due to higher life expectancy
Women suffer greater disability after stroke than men
Women ages 45 to 54 are experiencing a stroke surge, mainly due to increased risk factors and lack of prevention knowledge
African Americans & Stroke
Incidence is nearly double that of Caucasians
African Americans suffer more extensive physical impairments
2x as likely to die from stroke than Caucasians
High incidence of risk factors for stroke
Includes hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and sickle cell anemia
Hispanics & Stroke
Higher incidence among Mexican Americans than Caucasians
Mexican Americans are at an increased risk for all types of stroke, and TIA at younger ages than Caucasians
Spanish-speaking Hispanics are less likely to know stroke symptoms than English-speaking Hispanics, African Americans, and Caucasians
Prevention
Stop smoking
Lower your blood pressure
Manage Afib, find out if you have atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Drink alcohol in moderation, if you drink
Lower your cholesterol
Control diabetes
Stop using illegal drugs
Exercise daily
Eat a lower sodium (salt) and lower fat diet
If you have circulation problems, work with your healthcare professional to improve your circulation