Face Stroke, Before it Faces You Welcome Introduce yourself and your affiliation.

Where in the body does a stroke happen? Introduction Do you know a friend or relative who has had a stroke, or have you ever had a stroke yourself? Where in the body does a stroke happen? INTRODUCTION: Strokes are a major health problem in this country. Every year in Maine, over 800 people die of stroke. Many more stroke victims will remain permanently disabled. To get started, let’s see what the group’s experience with stroke is. Do you know a friend or relative who has had a stroke, or have you ever had a stroke yourself?(by show of hands.) Do you know where in the body a stroke happens? A stroke is a brain injury and, like any brain injury it can cause death or serious impairment. In this training program, you’ll learn to recognize the most common symptoms of stroke so that you can call 9-1-1 and increase the chance of recovery for a person having a stroke.

Facts About Stroke 3rd leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability in the United States Without treatment, most people who have a stroke will have moderate to severe impairment Stroke affects people of all ages FACTS ABOUT STROKE: First, let’s look at some important facts about stroke. Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke, and every three minutes, someone loses their life to a stroke. Without treatment, 62% of people who have a stroke will have moderate to severe impairment. Prompt treatment significantly reduces the damage of a stroke. Getting the person to the hospital in time can help reduce the risk of this impairment. Stroke does not just affect the elderly. People of all ages, even children, can have a stroke.

What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when something happens to interrupt the steady flow of blood to the brain. WHAT IS A STROKE? A stroke occurs when something happens to interrupt the steady flow of blood to the brain. When something happens to reduce or stop that supply of blood to your brain, the problems will be serious and immediate.

Three Types of Strokes Mini-Stroke - or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) Ischemic caused by blood clot Hemorrhagic caused by bleeding TYPES OF STROKES: Not all strokes are the same so they are not all treated in the same way. There are many new and promising treatments for every type of stroke. There are three types of strokes: Mini-strokes are also called transient ischemic attacks or TIAs. Ischemic strokes, or strokes caused by blood clots. Hemorrhagic strokes, or strokes caused by bleeding.

Signs of Stroke Any one of the warning signs is a reason to call 9-1-1. Sudden… Numbness in the face, arm or leg Slurred speech Blurred vision Dizziness or loss of balance Severe headache These are the warning signs we need to look for. Any ONE of these warning signs is reason to call for help. WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE: Sudden…. Numbness in the face, arm or leg Slurred speech Blurred vision Dizziness or loss of balance Severe headache At the first sign of stroke, call 911 immediately! Time lost is brain lost. 911

Go in an Ambulance Person having a stroke will be seen more quickly EMTs communicate with ER doctors ER can prepare for arrival EMTs can monitor condition and begin treatment Time saved is brain saved GO IN AN AMBULANCE A person having a stroke arriving in an ambulance will be seen more quickly than a person checking into the ER by other means. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) can assess the patient’s condition and communicate with ER doctors while they are on the way. Alerted hospital staff can have equipment ready to begin tests immediately upon the patient’s arrival. EMTs can monitor the patient’s condition and begin some treatments in the ambulance, while driving to the hospital. So don’t call your doctor’s office and wait for a call back, and don’t drive the person to the hospital yourself. Going in an ambulance saves valuable time, and time saved is brain saved.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors Age Family history of stroke or early heart disease Previous stroke, heart attack or other signs of heart disease UNCONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS There are some stroke risk factors that we cannot change: Age Race/Ethnicity Family history of stroke or early heart disease Previous stroke or heart attack Although we can’t change these particular risk factors, we need to be aware of them, and discuss them with our healthcare provider so we know how to prevent a stroke, or what to look for in family members at risk.

Controllable Risk Factors High Blood Pressure Smoking Diabetes Obesity High Cholesterol Physical inactivity CONTROLLABLE RISK FACTORS: There are a number of conditions that can lead to stroke. Controlling or eliminating these conditions will dramatically reduce the odds of having a stroke. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure is present in nearly three-quarters of people who have a stroke Blood pressure should be checked annually. If blood pressure is ever high, have it checked more frequently and make sure to take medication as directed, to lower your risk of stroke. Smoking Quitting smoking will help prevent stroke, heart disease, and some respiratory problems! Diabetes Control diabetes with proper diet, exercise and by monitoring glucose levels and taking medication. Overweight/Obesity Being more than twenty pounds overweight can increase your odds of stroke. High Cholesterol Healthy eating, physical activity and medication can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke.

Lifestyle Changes Reduce intake of fatty foods and eat more fruits and vegetables Walk 30 minutes a day Exercise prevents stroke, heart disease and other conditions Check out: www.healthymainewalks.org LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes. Many Americans eat foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar, or that are highly processed. Reduce intake of fatty foods, eat whole grains versus processed grains, and try to get 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. There are many ways you can become physically active. An easy way to exercise is to walk. Just walking 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference. If it’s easier, you can even break it up into three 10 minute walks. Regular physical activity can improve heart and lung condition, prevent stroke, heart disease and depression, reduce weight, enhance your mood and help you sleep better. Check out the Healthy Maine Walks website for free indoor and outdoor walking routes near you.

Face Stroke Learn stroke warning signs. Talk with family and friends about warning signs and calling 9-1-1. Talk to your doctor about stroke and heart attack risk and what to do to reduce your risk Watch for signs in friends and family and act quickly – call 9-1-1. Know the signs and symptoms of stroke and don’t ever hesitate to call if you witness them – in you or someone else. Talk with loved ones about the warning signs too, and about calling 911. Plan ahead for stroke prevention by talking with your doctor about what your risk factors are, and how you can reduce them. DISCUSSION AND ACTIVITY IDEAS: Can you remember what the signs and symptoms are, and what you should do? Distribute stroke materials and any other resources or participant evaluation forms.

For More Information: Local Contact: Maine Cardiovascular Health Program email: dlouder@mcd.org www.healthymainepartnerships.org/mcvhp Add your contact information here, and urge participants to contact you, or the Maine Cardiovascular Health Program with any questions, or requests for further information.

Resources: American Academy of Neurology (AAN) www.aan.com American Stroke Association (ASA) www.strokeassociation.org 1-888-4-STROKE Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) www.stroke-site.org National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm National Stroke Association (NSA) www.stroke.org 1-800-STROKES These are a few reputable resources that you may try for more information.