May is National Stroke Month

May is American Stroke Month.  The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association continue to educate the public on the signs of a stroke.  Quick recognition and action can not only save lives but can reverse and prevent debilitating effects from suffering a stroke.

The American Stroke Association's "Together to End Stroke" program which is sponsored nationally by Medtronic offers five things people need to be aware of pertaining to strokes.  In a news release provided by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association items to be aware of include:

1. Anyone Can Have a Stroke.  Strokes generally occur in older adults but are possible at any age including teens and children.

2. High Blood Pressure is Public Enemy Number One.  In their report three out of four people who suffer a first stroke have blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher.

3.  Stroke Does Target by Color.  Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death among Americans.  African-Americans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke than other races and are more likely to have a stroke at a younger age.

4.  Stroke is often Treatable.  But time is key.  Patients need to get treatment immediately. If treated within 3 to 4.5 hours the odds are much higher that stroke effects can be reduced or reversed.

5.  Friends Usually Save Friends.  The person suffering a stroke often is not aware of the severity of the problem.  Symptoms may disappear or could be severe enough that the individual is not able to help themselves.

Additional information on strokes and recovery from strokes can be obtained at: www.StrokeAssociation.org.

Gina Chapman, Director of the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Heart Association and Rich Greene, stroke survivor appeared on First News WNBF with Roger Neel Tuesday morning.  They discussed Stroke Month and Rich's amazing recovery from a stroke.