Time for stroke awareness

May is Stroke Awareness Month. As a journalist, I'm not crazy about the idea of always having a Fill in the Blank Month. As a stroke survivor, though, I know that it's very important for everyone to be aware of stroke signs and symptoms, stroke risk factors and even myths about strokes.

During this month, watch for some postings about common myths about strokes, such as:

• It only happens to old people.
• There's nothing you can do about a stroke
• If you think you are having a stroke, just wait and see if you feel better.
• If you are not having a headache, you're not having a stroke.
• Strokes only happen to obviously unhealthy people.

All false - and dangerous for those having a stroke.