Strokes affect 1 in 6 Americans and are the #1 cause of disability in the U.S.
Someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. Anyone of any age can suffer a stroke. Although effective medication exists which may leave a stroke patient with no deficits, too many of us do not recognize the signs of stroke in time to benefit from the medication. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke; treatment must begin within just a few hours after symptoms begin. The best outcomes after treatment occur for people who arrive at the appropriate hospital immediately after the stroke signs begin. Many people make of calling their primary care physician for help just waiting to see if their signs go away. The key to minimizing brain damage from stroke is calling 911 immediately! Not all hospitals can administer treatment. EMS personnel know which hospital can treat you and can get you there quickly, and safely.
Many well educated, well-meaning people do not know the stroke signs, so they don't get to treatment in time. They may even tell a loved one, who is experiencing the stroke signs, to lie down and see if the signs go away. Unfortunately, this normal reaction is common, and understandable, until you become Stroke Smart! Know the simple signs of a stroke, know to call 911 immediately when you suspect a stroke, and teach this information to someone else. Doing so might just save your life.
This link will take you to a powerful testimony of a stroke survivor, New Mexico's Senator Ben Ray Lujan, who did not know the stroke signs but suffered some. The senator did what many well-meaning, well-educated people do and have done in his situation; he waited to see if his stroke signs would go away, and even called his doctor rather than 911. This site contains useful information to help you become and stay Stroke Smart.
Stroke Smart efforts are accelerating across the country, with Northern Virginia leading the way. Use these links to find more valuable Stroke Smart resources. You can find additional information on the Stroke Smart menu pulldown at the top of the page.
Stroke Smart Initiative Videos
View the Virginia Stroke Smart Commonwealth Proclamation
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