The Non-Profit Corner 
The organization featured this month is the American Stroke Association.

Visit www.AmericanStrokeAssociation.org

Know the warning signs of a stroke and act quickly!

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:

" Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)

" Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

" Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

" Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

" Sudden severe headache with no known cause

What should a bystander do?

If you believe someone is having a stroke - if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side - call 911 immediately.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save people's lives and enhance their chances for successful recovery.

Why is there a need to act fast?

Ischemic strokes, the most common type of strokes, can be treated with a drug called t-PA, that dissolves blood clots obstructing blood flow to the brain. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours, but to be evaluated and receive treatment, patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes.

What disabilities can result from a stroke?

Although stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and can include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional problems. Patients may also experience pain or numbness after a stroke.

What can I do to prevent a stroke?

The best treatment for stroke is prevention. There are several risk factors that increase your chances of having a stroke:

" High blood pressure

" Heart disease

" Smoking

" Diabetes

" High cholesterol

If you smoke - quit. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control - and keeping them under control - will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

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