25 Years: One Mission, One Voice (NSA)

Did you know?

• Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, on average.

• Stroke can be caused by a myriad of manageable risk factors, including: high blood pressure, weight control, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Visit www.stroke.org/RISK for more information and downloadable fact sheets. Click here to view or embed television and radio PSAs about cholesterol and stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

• The public needs to be aware of their stroke risk and have a strong knowledge of stroke symptoms to get the treatment they or their loved ones need to act F.A.S.T.

Use the F.A.S.T. method for recognizing symptoms — click here to view or download a F.A.S.T. animation.

F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.

• Stroke will cost the United States an estimated $68.9 billion in 2009.

• Four out of 5 families will be touched by stroke in 2009.

• Stroke incidence rate in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians.

• You can receive National Stroke Association’s premiere publication, StrokeSmart™ magazine for free if you live in the United States. To subscribe to the leading source of recovery, rehabilitation and inspiration for stroke survivors, click here or visit www.stroke.org/MAG.

About National Stroke Association
Established in 1984, National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke. National Stroke Association achieves its mission to lower the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling community outreach programs, calling for continued improvement in the quality of stroke patient care, and educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about stroke. Visit www.stroke.org for more information about stroke.