How to Recognize a Stroke

1. How to Recognize a Stroke Do not be a victim

2. Who is at risk? • Everyone is at risk but some persons have higher risk than others

3. Risk Factors • High blood pressure • Heart and vessel disease • Smoking • Diabetes • Sedentary Lifestyle • Heredity • Obesity

4. What is a Stroke • A stroke is the result of injury to brain tissue from lack of oxygen • A stroke occurs when blood flow to the cells of the brain is interrupted • Blood flow is interrupted by a rupture of either a small or large vessel, narrowing of a vessel or by the lodging of a clot in a vessel that occludes the blood flow

5. What dose a stroke look like • Sudden weakness or numbness on one or both sides of the body • Dizziness • Difficulty walking • Difficulty talking • Vision problems • Can become unresponsive or have seizures

6. How do you know if it is a stroke • You don’t, if you think it, then take them to the closest emergency room • The national stroke association recommends that you use the acronym FAST F-Face ask the person to smile A- Arm ask the person to raise there arms S- Speech ask them to speak T-Time Call 911 immediately

7. How do you survive a stroke • Depends on location of injury to the brain • Immediate medical attention within 6 hours of onset of symptoms increase your chances of survival and reduces the risk of permanent deficits.

8. What can I do to prevent a stroke • Regular visits to your doctor for screening • Exercise and a healthy diet • Pharmacological therapies • Heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure • Manage your Diabetes • Quit Smoking • Be aware of medications that increase your risk for blood clots

9. Death rates among persons 65 years of age and over