Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. In fact, globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. During American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association (stroke.org), a division of the American Heart Association, as part of a nationally supported collaboration with HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation, will teach people everywhere that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those affected brain cells die. In cases of stroke, response time matters. Unfortunately, most adults in the U.S. don’t know the F.A.S.T warning signs of a stroke.

Here are six ways you can act now to beat stroke:

  • Learn how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. If you see Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
  • Watch the new F.A.S.T. public service announcement (PSA) featuring celebrities touched by stroke.
  • Prevent another stroke – Talk to your doctor about managing risk factors to help prevent a second stroke. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
  • Take Control of your BP – Reduce your risk for stroke by knowing your blood pressure and keeping it in a healthy range.
  • Raise your voice –Join the American Stroke Association’s You’re The Cure advocacy community at YouretheCure.org.
  • Donate funds – Make a gift to defeat stroke at Stroke.org.

A large majority of strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, healthy eating, managing your blood pressure, getting healthy sleep and quitting smoking and vaping.

The F.A.S.T. Experience (stroke.org/fast-experience) is a new digital tool launched by the American Stroke Association this month that engages users in a virtual experience educating them on what the warning signs of a stroke look, feel and/or sound like. By helping users to experience the stroke warning signs in a simulated way that is both educational and engaging, the expectation is that they will retain this information longer and share it with family and friends.

By simulating the symptoms of a stroke – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911 – the general public, caregivers, family members, and friends can better understand what stroke patients experience and equip them to spot stroke warning signs and help save a life in the future.
HCA Healthcare Foundation is a national sponsor of the ASA’s Together to End Stroke ® initiative and American Stroke Month.

Additional resources: digitalmedia.vnr1.com/2022/02/25/aha-multimedia-platform-2-2.

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. They team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. They work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter- @HeartNewsz.