May is stroke awareness month. Churches should know the basic signs and symptoms of someone having a stroke. Stroke is a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
In the United States, stroke is one of the leading causes of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. There are an estimated 7,000,000 stroke survivors in the U.S. over age 20. Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds, and taking a life approximately every four minutes.
Here are some of the signs a person is having a stroke.
1. SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
2. SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
3. SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4. SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5. SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.
If you see anyone display or show any signs of these systems you should call 9-1-1 immediately for more information please visit www.stroke.org
