Note useful information about strokes Stroke doesn’t discriminate – it affects people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. It is the No. 3 killer in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability. One of six people over age 55 is at risk of stroke. Know your risk factors. Learn the warning signs. A family history of stroke increases your risk. Stroke kills 2 million brain cells per minute and leaves survivors with physical and emotional disabilities. Stroke is highly treatable in the first three hours. Learn the warning signs: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden sever headache with no known cause Call 911 immediately if any occur. Fortunately, most strokes are preventable, and you can take steps now to reduce having a stroke. Face stroke before it faces you. Stroke does not have to happen to you...Know your risks. Control your risk factors, such as blood pressure and diabetes, and work with your doctor to eliminate or manage your risks. To reduce your risk of stroke: • Eat a balanced diet emphasizing a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat or non-fat dairy products, fish, legumes and sources of protein low in saturated fat; • Get physically active at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week; • Don’t smoke – if you smoke, stop. • Schedule regular visits with your doctor. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Get the right information and take action to ensure that your blood pressure is at a healthy level. Visit americanheart.org/hbp. From this site you can: • Take the High Blood Pressure Quiz to test your high blood pressure I.Q.; • Use the High Blood Pressure Health Risk Calculator to assess the risks of specific blood pressure levels on your health; • Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about high blood pressure in our Ask the Expert section. Heart Profilers® is a free, online educational tool that can help you manage high blood pressure, understand treatment options, and talk to your doctor about what treatment may be right for you. Visit americanheart.org/heartprofilers. Stroke Connection magazine is a free publication for stroke survivors and caregivers. Subscribe by visiting strokeassociation.org. -- Amanda Eickhoff, Coordinator of Wellness, Wellness Center, amandaeickhoff@mail.und.edu, 777-0210