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Best Ways To Support Stroke Awareness

During a stroke, the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is cut off. A stroke occurs suddenly and without any warning, but has very clear symptoms. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of long-term disability. Few people are aware that up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable by reducing the risk factors for stroke and knowing what stroke actually looks like.

What Are the Main Risk Factors for Stroke?   

Advanced age   

Family history of strokes   

Tobacco use and smoking   

Consumption of alcohol   

Hypertension   

Diabetes and glucose metabolism   

Lack of exercise and obesity

What Symptoms Should You Look For?

The sooner you notice these major signs and symptoms of a stroke and call 911, the better the chance of saving the victim's life and shortening his or her recovery time.    Sudden specific numbness in one part of the body   

Sudden dizziness and/or loss of coordination   

Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes   

Sudden confusion and trouble speaking   

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

F.A.S.T.

The National Stroke Association makes sure as many people as possible have access to educational information on the subject. It recommends the "F.A.S.T." test, which is an easy way to help people recognize the sudden signs and symptoms of a stroke. The F.A.S.T. campaign encourages Americans to achieve a better understanding of the warning signs, as spotting these signs can mean the difference between life and death. The acronym stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time. Even if these symptoms go away, you will know that you need to get this person to a hospital. Immediately call the nearest hospital's emergency room!

Awareness Is the Key to Prevent Stroke Emergency

National Stroke Awareness Month is May. It was created to increase public awareness about stroke prevention and the impact of stroke on survivors and their families. The United States government, along with several associations and other NGOs, works to provide key resources to the public. There are many ways for you to join the effort to raise awareness and show your support for the cause. Look for different opportunities for a marketing campaign to attract people to participate in your cause for National Stroke Awareness Month. Promote your event to raise awareness in your community. Try some of the following:   

Social media: You can post stroke awareness facts, news and statistics on your Facebook wall throughout the month and even update your profile picture with a banner in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month.   

Personalized silicone wristbands: This is a very powerful promotional tool for all types of awareness campaigns, as it's fully customizable - you can add your own message, choose a specific color, and choose from a variety of widths, fonts and styles. Inspire everyone around with messages such as: "Stroke Hero", "I'm in Love With a Stroke Warrior", and "Act F.A.S.T."   

Articles: Prepare a stroke awareness article with a personal story of someone you know and send it to your local newspaper, and don't forget to include information about stroke signs and symptoms.   

"Act F.A.S.T." leaflets: Get involved by distributing colorful leaflets and posters with stroke guidelines, info-graphics, and links to patient information resources.

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