With close to 800,000 strokes each year in the United States, stroke is a major health issue for many Americans. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. While risk factors for stroke, such as being overweight, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and smoking mirror those of heart disease, many people are unaware of these risks and how to reduce them. In addition, with advanced emergency treatments now available to stop a stroke in its tracks, knowing the simple signs of stroke could save your brain and save your life.

The seriousness and frequency of strokes often go unnoticed by the public; however, strokes occur frequently and affect individuals in all age groups. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and almost 25 percent of strokes occur in people 65 years of age and under.

Recognizing what puts you and your loved ones at risk for a stroke is a powerful step towards not becoming a stroke victim. What is bad for the heart is bad for the brain, so working towards an overall, healthy lifestyle will not only reduce your risk for stroke but also heart attack , memory loss and many other diseases.
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