BETHESDA, Md., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --During Stroke Awareness Month this May, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's (NINDS) Know Stroke campaign is urging all Americans to "make the stroke call" by learning the signs of stroke and sharing them across social media platforms. NINDS has produced a series of infographics to increase recognition of stroke signs and the number of bystanders who will call 9-1-1 immediately. Urgent medical treatment can reduce or even prevent long-term disabilities caused by stroke.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61716-ninds-nih-know-stroke-campaign-urges-bystanders-to-make-the-stroke-call
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. It remains the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Because stroke injures the brain, individuals experiencing a stroke may not realize it. Stroke victims have the best chance if a bystander (often family or close friends) recognizes the signs and acts quickly. Yet, many people do not know the signs or what to do when they witness someone having a stroke. The signs are distinct:
"This May, make it a point to learn the signs of stroke and share them with your friends and family. It is critical that all Americans know what to look for and what to do," said Walter J. Koroshetz, M.D., deputy director, NINDS. "Treatments are available, but they are only effective if the person having a stroke gets to the hospital quickly."
Stroke can strike anyone, but risk is highest among African Americans, Hispanics, and people over the age of 55. Recent NIH research also shows that those who live in the "Stroke Belt" a band of states in the southern United States during their adolescent years are at greater risk of stroke later in life. Encouragingly, many risk factors for stroke can be addressed by medication and lifestyle changes. High blood pressure is the single most important condition that gives rise to stroke. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, heart disease, high cholesterol, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Prevention measures really work. In fact, annual risk of stroke in the U.S. has dropped by 70% over the past 50 years, and NINDS continues to focus on reducing its impact by addressing health disparities in stroke. Underscoring this commitment, the Institute recently awarded $40 million to four research centers to fund development of culturally tailored interventions to lower stroke risk in racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or if bleeding occurs in or around the brain. Brain cells die when deprived of oxygen and nutrients provided by blood. In treating a stroke, every minute counts. According to NINDS research, people must arrive at the hospital within 60 minutes after symptoms start to have the best chance of effective treatment.
To learn more about the Know Stroke campaign, NINDS research on stroke prevention and treatment, stroke symptoms and signs, and to order free educational materials, visit stroke.nih.gov.
NINDS (ninds.nih.gov) is the nation's leading funder of research on the brain and nervous system.The NINDS mission is to reduce the burden of neurological disease a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
About the Know Stroke CampaignNINDS developed the Know Stroke campaign to help educate the public about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 to seek immediate treatment. The campaign includes outreach to consumers and health care professionals using mass media, grassroots efforts, partnerships, and community education. Please visit stroke.nih.gov for more information.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH,the nation's medical research agency,includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research,and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit nih.gov.
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The NIH Urges Bystanders To "Make The Stroke Call"