May is National Stroke Awareness Month

National Stroke Awareness Month takes place in May every year. On May 11, 1989, President George Bush signed Presidential Proclamation 5975 designating May as National Stroke Awareness Month at the urging of National Stroke Association. Since then, National Stroke Association has been honoring this special time of the year to increase public awareness of stroke in an effort to conquer it.

Up to 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to manage risk. Although stroke can happen to anyone, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes can increase chances of a stroke.

Stroke is an emergency and must be responded to urgently so a doctor can evaluate whether or not treatment will help. To make sure you and others act FAST and call 9-1-1 immediately at any sign of a stroke.

NOTE THE TIME WHEN ANY SYMPTOMS FIRST APPEAR. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. There are also two other types of stroke treatment available that might help reduce the effects of stroke. Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as FAST as possible.

Stroke symptoms include:

SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body. (F-Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops, this is a warning sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. (A-Ask the person to raise both arms out in front of his/her body. One arm drifting down is a warning sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. (S-Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Slurred speech or strange speech is a sign of stroke.)

SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause

It is important to act immediately if any of the signs are present. Time (T) is essential when a stroke is occurring.

Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.

General Health Clinic encourages you to learn the signs of a stroke. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. The office will be open Saturday, April 30. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.

Source: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=awareness