Did you know that May is National Stroke Awareness Month? Here are some facts about strokes that you need to know:
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke.
- One out of six people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
- Stroke is the top cause of disability in the US.
- Stroke is the #5 most common cause of death in the US.
Even though hundreds of thousands of Americans die of stroke each year, most Americans do not realize that stroke is a major health issue. In fact, one out of three Americans are not able to identify the four stroke warning signs:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
Also, you should know that 80% of strokes may be able to be prevented with lifestyle changes, therapy and medical intervention. A family history of stroke increases your risk as well.
How to Lower Your Risk
You cannot get away from your demographics. Your family history, age, sex and race may play a role in your risk of stroke. However, some of the things that you can do to reduce your risk:
- Stop smoking – this habit contributes to 20% of the strokes in the US. Smoking thickens the blood and makes it easier to clot.
- Exercise daily
- Eat a healthy diet that has little sodium.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Prevent diabetes, or at least limit it.
- Do not drink, or keep drinking to no more than two drinks per day.
If you or your loved one has had a stroke, please consider some of our stroke products, such as the Verti-Grip Professional Knife:
