(May 4, 2009)  Stroke is the number three cause of death in this country – behind diseases of the heart and cancer. Strokes are our country’s leading cause of adult disability. This Stroke Awareness Month, the National Stroke Association encourages everyone to “STOP Stroke, Act F.A.S.T. and Spread HOPE.”

"A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts,” said John Perry, M.D., Chief of Staff at Wagoner Community Hospital. “Brain cells deprived of blood flow die and abilities once controlled by that area of the brain are lost. The devastating effects of stroke are often permanent because dead brain cells can’t be replaced. But, quick action in seeking emergency care can significantly reduce the disabilities caused by a stroke. Often, treatment can stop the stroke in its tracks and prevent additional damage.

“The brain is the most delicate organ in the body," Dr. Perry continued. “In order to have the best chance of limiting damage, stroke symptoms should be heeded as urgently as those of a heart attack. The window of opportunity to intervene in a stroke and halt damage is about three hours. Yet, most patients don't come to the Emergency Room until 24 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. The longer the delay, the more damage a stroke can do and the less recovery can be achieved.”

The three components of the National Stroke Association’s educational efforts are: STOP Stroke, Act F.A.S.T. and Spread HOPE.

Stop stroke by identifying and managing the risk factors that can trigger a stroke.

Some risk factors can’t be changed:

• Age
• Family history
• Race
• Gender
• Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack

But, other risk factors can be changed, treated or controlled.

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly and follow the recommended treatment plan if you have high blood pressure.
• Stop smoking
• Manage blood sugar levels carefully if you have diabetes.
• Find out your cholesterol numbers and follow a treatment plan designed to keep bad / LDL cholesterol and good / HDL cholesterol in their target ranges.
• Eat sensibly by limiting saturated and trans fats and cholesterol, sodium (salt) and excess calories.
• Exercise – it helps control weight (if you are overweight) and regular activity can help in the management of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases.

If you think someone may have had a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test.

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

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

SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?

TIME: If the person shows any of these important symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

Stroke warning signs are:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking; dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

And, finally, the Nation Stroke Association encourages people to spread hope by focusing on the importance of rehabilitation to the stroke recovery process.

Every 53 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. About 600,000 Americans will have a stroke this year, and 160,000 of them will die. But, we’re fighting back by managing risk factors and initiating treatment earlier to minimize damage to the brain.