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Know Stroke

BE-FASTER!

Balance

Sudden loss of balance

Eyes

Sudden blurry or loss of vision

Face

Sudden numbness, one side drooping - can you smile?

Arms

Sudden weakness in arms - can you raise both?

Speech

Slurred or mumbling speech

Time

Call 9-1-1 NOW!

Emergency Response

Get to the ER by ambulance they know what to do FASTER!

Knowing the signs of stroke can save someone's life.

Once a stroke begins to present itself, Be Faster and dial 911 immediately - the more time that is wasted, the more functioning a stroke survivor could lose as a result of the loss of 1,900,000 brain cells a minute. As described above, Be Faster represents the majority of the signs of stroke.

Unites Stroke Alliance (USA) recognized a stroke is never planned.  Each year 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 543,000 survive with many experiencing significant life changing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that quickly change lives forever.

In short, most people in America do not know the signs and do not respond quick enough to receive early treatment to minimize post stroke challenges. In fact, 80% of Americans that experience a stroke do not respond quick enough because they did not know the signs of stroke.

PREVENTION

Stroke Awareness Icon

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleeding of a blood vessel either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. This is a medical emergency. Although many strokes are treatable, some can lead to disability or death.

Primary Prevention

Possible underlying causes of stroke. If people are able, they can achieve minimizing the risk of stroke by making life style changes as listed below:

Diet

Eating a healthful diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Weight

Maintaining a moderate weight and avoiding overweight and obesity.

Exercise

Exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.

Avoid Tobacco

Avoiding the use of tobacco products.

Minimize Alcohol

Minimizing the use of alcohol and only drinking at moderate levels.

Controlling hypertension

Controlling hypertension/high blood pressure from getting to 130/80 mmHg or higher. (Source: FDA.gov)

Managing diabetes

Diabetes affects blood sugar in the body which increases risk of stroke.

Maintaining acceptable cholesterol levels

Risk for stroke increases when excess cholesterol enters the bloodstream. It can cause a build-up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff.

No Illicit Drugs

Abstaining from the use of illicit drugs

Secondary Prevention

In approximately 25% of the strokes each year, the cause of the stroke is unknown. In many of these cases, Atrial Fibrillation or AFB is indicated in the patient. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Signs include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures such as cardioversion, ablation, pacemakers, or surgery. (WEBMD) Cardiac diagnostics and monitoring could be helpful in minimizing the risk of a secondary stroke.

In other cases where the cause of the stroke is unknown, there is the possibility of a PFO. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born. A foramen ovale allows blood to go around the lungs. It has been hypothesized that many cryptogenic strokes are caused by small emboli that travel from the legs to the right atrium; during straining (such as a Valsalva maneuver) these emboli can go across a PFO into the left atrium and then travel to the brain, producing a stroke.

AWARENESS

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There are over 700,000 people in America that survive a stroke each year. Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke. Every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke. Stroke is the #5 cause of death in the US and is the #1 cause of adult disability. This disability could be reduced if patients receive early treatment for stroke. Unfortunately, most people do not know the signs of stroke. In fact, the majority of Americans experiencing a stroke do not respond quick enough because they did not know the signs of stroke and the immediate need for treatment. In short, the longer the time for getting treatment, the more function is lost due to the fact the brain loses 1,900,000 brain cells per minute when a person is experiencing a stroke!

RECOVERY

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Finding people and resources for both the survivor and care giver are key to both short and long term success. So many things will be new and an adjustment to what you are used to doing. Finding resources and friends that can share experiences and solutions will help you navigate your new normal.

Find a Support Group Near You!

Franciscan Health Indianapolis Stroke Support Group

Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Cancer Center Conference Room | Indianapolis, IN

Second Tuesday of the month 2:30-4pm

Please join us!

317-528-8872  |  [email protected]
Sponsored by:
  • - United Stroke Alliance

United Stroke Alliance Stroke Support Group

OSF Glen Park Place | Peoria, IL

Third Thursday of the month, 4:00-5:00

Join us!

[email protected]
Sponsored by:
  • - United Stroke Alliance

United Stroke Alliance Zoom Support Group (Online Zoom format)

8000 N University St | Peoria, IL

Third Tuesday of the month 1:00-2:00 Central Time

Email [email protected] for the zoom link.

[email protected]
Sponsored by:
  • - United Stroke Alliance

Stateline Stroke Support Group

Van Matre EncompassHealth Rehabilitation Hospital | Rockford, IL

Last Tuesday of every month (except December), 4:30-6:00 pm

Open to stroke survivors and caregivers/family members

815-222-4481
Sponsored by:
  • - United Stroke Alliance

University of Iowa Health Care Stroke Support Group

North Dodge Street Clinic and Zoom | Iowa City, IA

1st Wednesday of the Month 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
[email protected]
Sponsored by:
  • - Iowa Healthcare

Get Involved With Us!

One of the best steps to recovery and caregiving is to get involved. Join us online and learn something new, find a friend, watch us live - there is so much to do!

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We appreciate your support!

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