Spreading stroke awareness ...

These articles list some good info, from strike signs, what to do and stroke prevention.

From The Tennessean in Nashville, every 45 seconds, someone in America will fall victim of a stroke:

Getting help fast is the most important treatment for stroke, call 911.The longer you wait to get treatment, the more brain tissue can become damaged, often leaving permanent disability.

From Brooklyn Eagle, a daily paper in Brooklyn:

“Every second counts in the race to identify and treat stroke,” said Dr. Steven Rudolph, director of the Jaffe Stroke Center at Maimonides Medical Center. “The sooner we can make a diagnosis and start treatment, the more we improve our chances of minimizing damage to the brain. All of us should take a few minutes to learn the warning signs of stroke, so we can help someone we suspect may be experiencing this medical emergency by calling 911 right away.” ...

While some of the risk factors for stroke are hereditary, others are not. This means that each one of us can reduce vulnerability to stroke by being aware of our risk factors, including medical history and personal habits. Some risks can be reduced by living a healthier, more active lifestyle. Dr. Rudolph advises:

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• Eat a varied and balanced diet that relies heavily on vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats and fruit.
• Keep your weight under control.
• Monitor your blood cholesterol: you should try to lower the “lousy” kind known as LDL, and increase the “happy” kind known as HDL.
• Get moderate exercise on a regular basis (at least two and a half hours per week).
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking.
• Consult your doctor if you have a family history of stroke or high blood pressure to determine if you need additional assistance in prevention efforts.