In the United States stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer every year.

A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or a “brain attack”, can happen to anyone at any time and occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut-off.In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death in women and 55,000 more women experience a stroke than men every year.

The high incidence of stroke in women is largely unknown by the general public and many women may not know the risk factors or symptoms to watch for. Being aware of symptoms and seeking prompt treatment can help improve stroke survival and minimize long-term consequences.

Stroke Symptoms Onset Suddenly

Be aware of sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, especially if it is on one side of the body. Sudden cognitive issues, vision problems, and trouble walking or loss of balance should be taken seriously and a sudden and severe headache with no known cause should be observed closely. All of these are signs of stroke that warrant contacting 9-1-1. A quick way of remembering stroke symptoms is to Think FAST.

*Print off this quick method of identifying stroke and keep it in a visible spot so you can learn the symptoms.

F              Face: If one side of the face droops, especially if smiling

A             Arms: Raise both arms and check to see if one drifts downwards

S              Speech: Is speech slurred or strange       

T              Time: Now is the time to act – if you observe any of these signs call 9-1-1 immediately *

A Stroke is an Emergency          

A stroke is a medical emergency and how quickly a patient receives treatment will influence their survival. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you observe any stroke symptoms.

Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle and attending regular preventative care appointments are the best forms of preventing a stroke. There are steps women can take at every age to lower their risk of stroke

Prior to starting oral birth control women should be screened for high blood pressurePregnant women should monitor their blood pressure during and after pregnancy Women over 75 should be screened for atrial fibrillation If you smoke, seek help to stop immediately

1 in 5 women will have a stroke in her lifetime the more awareness and education we can share can help increase the number of women who survive.

Stroke of Art

Join us on October 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Soin Medical Center for stroke prevention information, health and wellness education, and an instructor-led painting session.

The stroke education at this event is free. There is a nominal fee of $35 per person for art supplies.

A donation of $10 from each fee will go to the American Stroke Association.

Register: ketteringhealth.org/strokeofart or (937) 558-3988