Every year, May Stroke Awareness Month, also known as National Stroke Awareness Month, which focuses on raising public knowledge about strokes—how to prevent them, recognize them, and respond quickly. Stroke is a serious medical emergency that can lead to long-term disability or death. However, many strokes are preventable, and knowing how to act quickly can save a life.

This month is a vital time to spread stroke awareness, educate our communities, and empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to make healthier choices.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are three main types of strokes:

• Ischemic Stroke: It is caused by a blockage in an artery.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: It is caused by bleeding in the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): It is often called a "mini-stroke." It is a temporary blockage that doesn’t cause permanent damage but serves as a warning sign of future strokes.

Why May Is Dedicated to Stroke Awareness

May Stroke Awareness Month is designed to:

• Educate the public about the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of strokes.
• Encourage routine health checkups and screenings.
• Promote awareness of stroke signs to encourage faster medical response.
• Support stroke survivors and caregivers through outreach and education.
• Highlight the importance of community involvement in stroke prevention initiatives.

Recognizing Stroke: Use the F.A.S.T. Method

The key to reducing stroke damage is recognizing the signs early. Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to identify a potential stroke:

• Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it’s uneven.
• Arm Weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to Call Emergency Services: If you observe any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call for emergency help immediately.

Ways to Prevent a Stroke

Up to 80% of strokes are preventable. By making the following lifestyle changes and health choices, you can significantly lower your risk:

1. Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for stroke. Maintain a healthy blood pressure level through:

• Regular monitoring.
• A low-sodium diet.
• Medication if prescribed.
• Regular exercise.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of blood clots. Quitting smoking can quickly reduce your stroke risk and improve heart health.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight, and control cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, five times a week.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can lower stroke risk. Avoid trans fats, excessive salt, and processed foods.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, which in turn raises your stroke risk.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

7. Manage Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk. Keep your blood sugar levels in check through medication, diet, and exercise.

8. Monitor and Control Cholesterol Levels

High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, which can block blood flow to the brain. A heart-healthy diet, exercise, and medication (if needed) can help.

9. Treat Heart Conditions Like Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots. Managing AFib with medication or procedures is essential to preventing strokes.

10. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and other heart-related issues. Adopt stress-relief practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness, therapy, or physical activity.

How to Get Involved in National Stroke Awareness Month

Here are some meaningful ways to support Stroke Awareness Month in May:

• Educate others by sharing stroke facts and prevention tips in your community or on social media.
• Participate in health screenings or encourage friends and family to get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked.
• Support stroke organizations through donations or volunteer work.
• Attend or organize awareness events, webinars, or health talks.
• Share your story if you or a loved one has experienced a stroke to inspire and educate others.

Conclusion

Stroke Awareness Month is more than a campaign—it's an urgent call to action. By educating ourselves and others, taking proactive steps to manage our health, and knowing how to respond quickly, we can drastically reduce the impact of strokes on individuals, families, and communities.

Your health is in your hands. Take this month as an opportunity to assess your risk, make positive changes, and encourage others to do the same. Together, through awareness and action, we can prevent strokes and save lives.

FAQs

• Q1: Can strokes be prevented entirely?
  While not all strokes can be prevented, about 80% are avoidable with proper lifestyle changes and management of existing health conditions.
• Q2: What is the difference between a TIA and a full stroke?
  A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain and typically resolves on its own. However, it is a warning sign of a future full stroke and requires medical evaluation.
• Q3: Who is most at risk for stroke?
  People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, smokers, and individuals over age 55 are at higher risk.
• Q4: Are strokes common in young adults?
  Yes, though less common than in older adults, strokes can occur in younger people due to factors like high blood pressure, smoking, drug use, and genetic conditions.
• Q5: What should I do if I suspect someone is having a stroke?
  Call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. The faster the person receives treatment, the better the outcome.
• Q6: What is the recovery process after a stroke?
  Recovery varies based on the severity of the stroke and the speed of treatment. It may include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and long-term medical support.
• Q7: Are women affected differently by stroke?
  Yes, women may experience different symptoms such as general weakness, confusion, or nausea. They are also at higher risk due to factors like pregnancy, menopause, and birth control use.