World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 annually to highlight the grave nature of strokes and raise awareness about its prevention and treatment. About 90% of all strokes can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, stress and blood disorders, and hypertension.

CVA (Cerebral-Vascular Accident) is the medical term for a stroke, which is essentially a brain attack. It is a serious life-threatening medical condition, and is also known as a stroke. Urgent treatment is essential to reduce the chances of brain damage, disability, or even death.

Use the FAST test to check for the most common signs of a stroke in yourself or others.

Face: Smile. Does one side of the face droop.

Arms: Raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?

Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech.

Time: If the answer to any of these is yes, call 112 for an ambulance right away and write down the time when symptoms started. Minutes matter in treating strokes as brain tissue and millions of neurons begin to die.

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding speech
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
  • Sudden severe headache for no reason

Sometimes strokes develop slowly, but more often the symptoms are rapid.

Be prepared

Strokes can happen to anyone at any age or at any time. Planning for an emergency can make a big difference.

  • Learn the warning signs of a stroke and let your family and friends know, too.
  • Wear a medical bracelet or other identification that any conditions, allergies or medications you take.
  • Teach your children the FAST test, plus how to call 112, give your address, and describe what’s happening.

These are some of the more common factors that increase your chance of having a stroke. Chat with a health coach at LifeAssist during business hours to get advice on ways to reduce your chances and live a healthy lifestyle, at no cost to you or your family.