RAISING AWARENESS STROKES HAPPENING AT YOUNGER AGES

By Gracie Rowell

Strokes are hitting men and women across the world at ages younger and younger than before. While strokes are most common with individuals that are older in age, statistics are showing more and more strokes with individuals younger than 65. Thanks to helpful information from the American Stroke Association and the CDC, individuals can learn to reduce their personal risk by understanding the causes and knowing the key signs.

Strokes are most commonly associated with high blood pressure. Strokes are caused by either a blocked artery or a ruptured artery. Either the brain’s blood supply is blocked, or there is a blood vessel in the brain that has some sort of puncture causing leakage.

The best way to be proactive about reducing the risk of stroke is to start early lifestyle changes. Some simple ways to lower blood pressure include eating healthier, exercising daily, and limiting alcohol consumption. One also has to consider aging and family history when trying to reduce the risk of a stroke. Those with a family history of strokes are more likely to experience a stroke and the risk increases with age.

To spot the signs of stroke, The American Stroke Association recommends acting F.A.S.T.

F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the individual’s smile uneven?

A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?

S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911

This acronym demonstrates some of the most common signs of a stroke that any bystander can recognize. Being able to spot a stroke in the beginning stages can mean the difference between life and death for some individuals.

Also, be aware of any difficulty or confusion in speech. Strokes can affect different parts of the brain that are crucial to processing and understanding language. Another indicator of stroke is losing balance or difficulty walking. Finally, listen for complaints of constant headaches. Personally taking preventative actions and knowing what to do in case of a stroke can save lives.