(NAPSI)\u2014You work hard to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. To help, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reminds everyone that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. About 800,000 people in the country have a stroke each year. The good news is, when treated quickly, survival is possible and damage can be greatly reduced. That\u2019s why understanding your risk for stroke, knowing signs of stroke, and acting in time are critical and can make all the difference for you or someone you care for. If you have a greater chance of stroke, there are also steps you can take now to help prevent one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Stroke?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two major types of stroke. One, called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a brain blood vessel breaks and blood escapes into or around the brain. The other, called an ischemic stroke, or \u201cbrain attack,\u201d occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, brain cells stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Risk Factors for Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can have a stroke, but some people are at greater risk than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Previous Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 High Blood Pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 High Cholesterol<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Heart Disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Diabetes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sickle Cell Disease<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Use Of Anti-Clotting Medications<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Certain Cancers<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Behaviors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Unhealthy Diet<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Physical Inactivity<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Obesity<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Excess Alcohol <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tobacco Use <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Stimulant Drug Use<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Neck Injury<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Individual Characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Being over the age of 55<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 More common in women than men <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at higher risk <\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs of Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of stroke usually happen quickly and include one or more of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking, or understanding speech<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause<\/p>\n\n\n\n Act in Time: Call 911 Right Away<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stroke is a medical emergency. If you believe you are having a stroke\u2014or if you think someone you know is having a stroke\u2014call 911 immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve or worsen. Making the decision to call for medical help right away can save a life or mean avoiding a lifelong disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ways to Help Prevent Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health problems you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Manage any health problems you may have, especially high blood pressure, but also diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity to lower your risk for stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Exercise regularly\u2014about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Avoid drinking too much alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you\u2019d like some help with quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-D\u00c9JELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) for free resources and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, visit\u00a0stroke.nih.gov<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n