May is Stroke Month-Educate Yourself and those You LOVE!

Did you know that when it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost? Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke and every second that person goes untreated, thousands of brain cells are lost, potentially impairing their ability to carry out the simple, every day tasks we take for granted.

While the statistics are startling, we all have a role to play in ensuring future victims of stroke have the best chance for recovery. Join me in learning the five warning signs of a stroke and how to respond to them quickly. Your ability to recognize a stroke and act could make all the difference.

• Walk — Is their balance off?
• Talk — Is their speech slurred or face droopy?
• Reach — Is one side weak or numb?
• See — Is their vision all or partly lost?
• Feel — Is their headache severe?

If you see just one of these symptoms, even if it goes away, do not wait- call 9-1-1 immediately! For more information, visit www.giveme5forstroke.org.

Even our legislators on Capitol Hill have a role to play in raising awareness about stroke- but they need to hear from you that this health issue is a priority. Right now, the Senate is considering the STOP Stroke Act- legislation which aims to ensure that stroke is more widely recognized by the public as a medical emergency and treated more effectively by healthcare providers. Join me in sending a message to our Senators today, urging them do their part to pass the STOP Stroke Act.