KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Raise your stroke awareness

Stroke is America's number three killer, after heart disease and cancer. According to the American Stroke Association, it accounts for about one of every 16 deaths in the U.S. About every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke, and every three to four minutes, someone dies of stroke.

The risk of stroke is greatest in older adults, but stroke can occur at any age. It's among the top 10 causes of death in children. The rate is highest in the first year of life.

Every minute counts

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. This keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs. Within moments, brain cells in the affected area start die. The part of the body that these brain cells control can't function. This can lead to disability or death.

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away.

A medication can help reduce long-term disability from the most common form of stroke, but it must be given within three to 4.5 hours from the start of stroke symptoms. So quick action is vital.

Know the symptoms

A stroke can cause:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and leg, especially on one side
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Too often people don't recognize the symptoms of stroke. If you think someone is having a stroke, remember the F-A-S-T test:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does speech sound slurred or strange?
• Time: If you see any of these signs, it's time to call 9-1-1 to get the person to a hospital or stroke center.

Understand your risk

Anyone can have a stroke. But some things are known to raise the risk. Some risk factors, such as smoking, are under your control. Others aren't. Risk factors you can't control include:

• Age. The risk of stroke doubles every 10 years after age 55.
• Race. African-Americans have a higher stroke risk than whites and are much more likely to die from stroke.
• Family history. You're more likely to have a stroke if a parent, grandparent or sibling had one.
• Medical history. If you've already had a stroke, you're much more likely to have another than someone who has never had a stroke. Your risk is also higher if you've had a mini stroke (TIA) or a heart attack.
• Gender. Stroke is more common in men than in women. But at all ages, women are more likely than men to die of stroke. Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy increase women's risk.

If you have any of these risk factors, it's especially important to take steps to cut your risk of stroke.

Lower your risk

Whether you're at high or average risk, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.

• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke. Keeping your blood pressure lower than 120/80 can cut your risk.
• Don't smoke. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. When you quit, your risk will start to decrease.
• Eat a high-fiber diet that's low in fat and salt. This type of diet can lower cholesterol and help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Manage diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar under control helps protect against heart disease and stroke.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight raises your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, which can lead to stroke.
• Stay active. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also help you control your weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
• If you drink, do so in moderation. Have no more than two drinks a day if you're a man or one drink if you're a woman.
• Lower your stress level. Stress can raise your blood pressure. Find healthy ways to ease stress, such as exercise, massage and deep breathing.

Follow your doctor's orders. See your doctor for regular check-ups, and take medications as prescribed. If your medications cause side effects, ask if your doctor can change the dose or prescribe a different drug.