With A Stroke, Every Minute Counts

Fast Facts:

25% of all strokes happen in people under age 65.
If you or someone is having a stroke, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco can help prevent a stroke.

Your brain is like a computer that’s always on, but what would happen if the power suddenly went off? That’s essentially what happens during a stroke.

A stroke occurs when a blood clot (a hardened collection of blood cells) gets stuck in blood vessel while traveling to the brain. A blood clot stops the flow of blood and oxygen—your brain’s power source—from entering the brain, effectively shutting it down.

There are some signs that may indicate a stroke:

Your face, arm or leg becomes numb (typically only on side of the body);
Reduced and blurry vision;
Dizziness;
Strong, immediate headache.

With each minute that passes after a stroke, the brain goes without blood or oxygen. Brain cells start to die and your body loses its normal functions. If you or someone you know shows the signs associated with a stroke, it is important to action quickly. Call 911 and go to an emergency room for medical care.

In one year, around 700,000 Americans have a stroke. While more common in seniors, a quarter of all strokes—roughly 175,000—happen to those below the age of 65. Strokes are among the leading causes of death and disability in America.

It is hard to predict exactly if or when a stroke might happen but some risk factors make having a stroke more likely. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to an increased stroke risk. Similarly, smoking tobacco and being overweight, which lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol, increases the odds.

To help avoid strokes, avoid all tobacco products and eat a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol and sodium. Regular exercise a healthy weight will also reduce the risks of a stroke.

Life Line offers FREE screenings that may help prevent a stroke. Register for a Life Line screening for you and your family today. Don’t forget, completing certain wellness-related actions will not only improve your health, you can also earn Health Foundation credits.