PORTLAND, Ore. – It is the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability. Stroke strikes nearly 750,000 Americans each year—killing an estimated 170,000 people. But 80 percent of strokes are preventable.
The sooner you recognize the signs you or someone you know is having a stroke, the faster you seek medical help, the better the chance of survival.That’s even more important here in Oregon, where the stroke death rate is the 5th highest in the country.
Below you’ll find story ideas for May, National Stroke Awareness Month. Providence stroke experts are available to talk on these topics.
FREQUENT MIGRAINES MAY SHOW HIGHER STROKE RISK FOR WOMEN
Medical evidence has long supported a link between migraines and strokes. But new research suggests women who have weekly migraines are three times more likely to have stroke than women who have migraines less than once a month. While migraines can’t always be prevented, there are other stroke risk factors you can control. Providence has experts who can offer tips for lowering your stroke risk.
ARE YOU AMONG THE 97 PERCENT OF AMERICANS WHO DON’T KNOW THE SIGNS OF A STROKE?
Even if someone knows they are having a stroke, they might not be able to communicate that. That’s why the National Stroke Association developed the FAST test to educate people about the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke.
F – FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the mouth or face droop? A – ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Can one arm not be raised? S – SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Can they repeat it correctly? Do they slur the words? T – TIME: If the person exhibits any problems with these it's time to call for
emergency help.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR STROKE RISK?
The Providence Stroke Center Web site Providence Stroke Center offers an interactive test to assess your risk for stroke. If it’s high, a Providence expert can help you incorporate changes into your lifestyle to help lower your risk.
