May is Stroke Awareness Month

Every year, more than 750,000 Americans experience a stroke, and one-third of them are under the age of 65. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, yet up to 80 percent of all strokes may be preventable with proper attention to medical and lifestyle risk factors. It is never too late to start taking action to lower your stroke risk. Be sure to ask your doctor, "Am I at risk for stroke?"

Do you know the symptoms of stroke? Here are the five most common stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts! For information, visit www.stroke.org or call 1-800-STROKES (800-787-6537).