World Stroke Day Spreads Awareness
By: Betsy Holzwarth
Updated: October 29, 2012
PEORIA - One in six people will have a stroke, but on this World Stroke Day, experts are working to change that by creating more awareness of what the risk factors are.
It's a common misconception that the elderly are the only ones who have to worry about stroke.
In fact, recent research shows more and more young people are suffering stroke.
Some major risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and physical inactivity.
But doctors say a stroke doesn't have to be fatal, treatment has come a long way.
"Stroke now is preventable and treatable. So, once you have recognized signs of a stroke, you should seek medical help immediately because we have now clot busters which can open the vessel. We can put coils in the aneurism. We have many ways of preventing strokes from happening," says OSF ST. Francis Medical Center neurologist Dr. David Wang.
Doctors urge people to remember the F.A.S.T. rule in cases of suspected stroke.
F = Facial Drooping
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech Difficulty
T = Time to Call 911
If you notice facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty, it's time to call 911 because time lost is brain lost.
It's a common misconception that the elderly are the only ones who have to worry about stroke.
In fact, recent research shows more and more young people are suffering stroke.
Some major risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and physical inactivity.
But doctors say a stroke doesn't have to be fatal, treatment has come a long way.
"Stroke now is preventable and treatable. So, once you have recognized signs of a stroke, you should seek medical help immediately because we have now clot busters which can open the vessel. We can put coils in the aneurism. We have many ways of preventing strokes from happening," says OSF ST. Francis Medical Center neurologist Dr. David Wang.
Doctors urge people to remember the F.A.S.T. rule in cases of suspected stroke.
F = Facial Drooping
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech Difficulty
T = Time to Call 911
If you notice facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty, it's time to call 911 because time lost is brain lost.
