Fact: Stroke attacks brain, cutting off blood and oxygen supply. Approximately 2 million brain cells die during stroke, which reduces chances of survival and increases risk of permanent brain damage with long-term disability for those who are spared.
Fiction: There are already plenty of things to worry about. Stroke is not a top priority!
Fact: We all rate our priorities differently; however, statistics say that in the United States stroke was the third leading cause of death in 2009.
Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year. About 137,000 people will die as the result, and while many will survive, stroke stroke will remain the leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.
Fiction: Strokes happen to old, sick people.
Fact: Certain categories of people are at a higher risk for stroke. For instance, approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
Also, men are more likely to suffer stroke at a younger age, but as the age increases, women’s incidents become more frequent.
However, stroke can happen to anyone at any time, even young adults and kids! There are many causes and no warning signs until the incident takes place.
Fiction: Stroke can’t be prevented.
Fact: Not true! There are many ways to prevent stroke: knowing risk factors and taking steps to reduce those risks is a good start. Take it further with annual Ultrasound tests that envision artery blockages (along with other various symptom-free problems). Many lives are saved every year because potential fatal health problems are detected early and subsequently treated.