Announcements: World Stroke Day --- October 29, 2011

 

Announcements: World Stroke Day --- October 29, 2011

Weekly

October 29 is World Stroke Day 2011. Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability. Approximately 795,000 strokes occur annually in the United States. Stroke occurs among all age groups, including newborns, children, young adults, and older adults (1). One in six persons worldwide will have a stroke in his or her lifetime, and every 6 seconds someone will die from a stroke (2,3).
Although a common occurrence, strokes are preventable. The following actions can reduce the likelihood of having a stroke: 1) know your personal risk factors (i.e., high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, or a history of transient ischemic attack or previous stroke); 2) engage in physical activity regularly; 3) avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet; 4) limit alcohol consumption; 5) avoid cigarette smoke and, if you smoke, seek help to stop now; 6) learn to recognize the warning signs* of a stroke, and call 9-1-1 right away if someone appears to be having a stroke. With timely care and support, most stroke survivors can recover and regain their quality of life.
CDC addresses stroke prevention through state-based programs to prevent heart disease and stroke, through the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry, and through many partnerships. Information on stroke prevention is available at http://www.cdc.gov/stroke. Additional information about World Stroke Day is available at http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/2011/pages/home.aspx.

References

1. Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics 2011 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2011;123:e18--209.
2. Seshadri S, Beiser A, Kelly-Hayes M. The lifetime risk of stroke: estimates from the Framingham Study. Stroke 2006;37:345--50.
3. World Health Organization. The atlas of heart disease and stroke. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2004.

* 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; and sudden severe headache.

Announcements: World Stroke Day --- October 29, 2011October 28, 2011 / 60(42);1459