Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.
• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
• Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech.
• Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause.
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially along with any of the previous symptoms.
• If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. See a doctor right away!"
• Equally as important, there are things that you can do now to reduce your risk of a stroke. The following information is from the American Heart Association's Family Guide to Stroke: "How to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke"
• Have your blood pressure checked once a year. High blood pressure is the major risk factor for stroke.
• Don't smoke cigarettes. Smoking increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Heart disease itself is a risk factor for stroke.
• Eat nutritious foods in moderate amounts. Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in cholesterol and saturated fats and moderate in sodium (salt). Fatty foods contribute to atherosclerosis, which itself is a major contributor to stroke.
• Have regular medical checkups.  Many risk factors call for medical supervision. These include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, excess weight, lack of exercise, and cigarette smoking. Getting these under control can help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
• Know the warning signs. Prompt medical attention to the warning signs listed above could prevent a fatal or disabling stroke from occurring.