May is Stroke Awareness Month
PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), Healthy Aroostook, is promoting Stroke Awareness Month.
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in Maine and is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in adults. Among the six New England states, Maine has the highest stroke death rate. Without treatment, most people who have a stroke will have moderate to severe impairment.
The Maine Center for Disease Control/Department of Health and Human Services Cardiovascular Health Program is working with the Maine Affiliate of the American Stroke Association and other statewide partners to help more Maine people recognize the symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of stroke.
While nearly 75 percent of all strokes occur in people age 65 years and older, they can also happen to young people, as well. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes also increase the possibility of stroke.
Every Maine resident can play an important role in recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly by calling 9-1-1. The faster emergency medical services are called, the faster they will arrive to help, and to get patients to the hospital for needed treatment.
Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical as time lost is brain loss. Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg; slurred speech, blurred vision, dizziness or loss of balance, and severe headache.
Rapid treatment by emergency medical providers is vital to survival and recovery. At any sign of stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information, visit www.mainehearthealth.org and www.strokeassociation.org.
