A Stroke of Awareness

During American Stroke Awareness Month, Pledge to Adopt Simple Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent Stroke

May is American Stroke Month and the perfect time to raise awareness about the dangers of stroke and how to prevent it.

Stroke can strike when you least expect it, stealing away the people you love or leaving them with a life-long disability. Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke - and this year, 55,000 more women than men are expected to be impacted. That's the bad news. 

The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. 

Take comfort in knowing that, while stroke can strike at any time, you hold the power of prevention in your hands. 

You can make it a priority this month to keep your brain strong, resilient, and stroke-free for years to come by taking just a few steps to improve your health. 

Getting Enough Zzzzz's

• Seven to eight hours of sleep each night can help you rise and shine with enough energy to face your day.

Being a Social Butterfly

• Studies show that people who spend too much time alone have a higher risk of stroke.

Move Your Body

• Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can lower your risk of stroke

Getting Yourself to the Doctor

• Schedule regular visits and talk to your doctor about your risks and how you can reduce them.

Adopting these simple lifestyle changes can help keep your mind sharp and your brain in tip-top shape. Your attention to prevention can make all the difference. 

Source: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association