Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in America. They can happen to anyone at any time. The document outlines several risk factors that increase the chances of having a stroke, including hypertension, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and smoking. It also describes the F.A.S.T. method for identifying stroke symptoms - facial drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, and time to call for help. There are three main types of strokes and getting medical treatment within 3 hours can help reduce deficits. Therapies like speech, physical, and making healthy lifestyle choices can assist in recovery.

1. By: Lynne Kinneavy

2.  Having a stroke is the fifth leading cause of death
in America (National Stroke Association, 2015).
 Strokes can happen to anyone, anytime and
anywhere. It does not just attack the older
generation or a certain race. Knowing the risks of a
stroke and taking an active part in your health care
can make a difference.

3.  There are many health risks that can increase your
risk of having a stroke, some of them are:
 Hypertension – untreated elevated blood pressure.
 Obesity – risks of plaque build up in the arteries
 Heart disease- due to elevated cholesterol levels,
diabetes and smoking.

4. The acronym F.A.S.T. is a good way to acknowledge the
signs and symptoms
 F- meaning Face .. Is one side of the face or mouth
droop?
 A- meaning Arm… Is one side of the body or arm weaker
that the other side.
 S- meaning Speech.. Is the speech garbled or is the
person having difficulty pronouncing or saying any
words.
 T- meaning Time…it is time to call 911. It is important
to know if you have answered yes to any of these and
even if the symptoms are resolving it is still time to call
911

5.  There are medical treatments to help slow down or
stop the stroke.
 Time is very important in the event of a stroke.
 Getting medical treatment within 3 hours or less can
help to decrease your deficits.
 The tests for verification are Cat Scan testing and MRI
Imaging
 If a person receives medical attention at a stroke
certified hospital there is a likelihood that TPA an
antithrombotic medication can be given to stop the
stroke and in many cases reverse its deficits.

6.  There are three types of stroke; hemorrhagic,
ischemic and transient ischemic attack also
known as TIA (American Heart Association,
2015).
 Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the artery in
the brain leaks or ruptures.
 Ischemic is when the artery that supplies
oxygenated blood to the brain is blocked.
 TIA is when blood flows to the brain is blocked
for only a short period of time. This stroke is the
least severe and is referred to as the “wake-up
call” (American Heart Association, 2015).

7.  Attending therapy and making healthy life choices
can help in recovery
 Speech Therapy can help with the deficits in
regards to pronunciation and is also used to help
with any swallowing problems that occur at times
with a stroke.
 Physical Therapy will help with ambulation and
coordination. Many times people need help with
simple things after a stroke like holding a fork or
brushing their hair

8. In conclusion, I feel that it is very important to
have the public become aware of the symptoms of a
stroke. People need to take an active part in their
health needs and do not disregard its signs and
symptoms. I feel it is very important to increase your
physical activity as well as your knowledge of stroke,
in order to decrease your risk for a stroke.