The National Stoke Association has put together ten guidelines to increase the public awareness and provide education and self-help to reduce the risk for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which is temporary blood flow interruption or a stroke.
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Know your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to lower it.
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Find out from your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation.
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If you smoke, stop.
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If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
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Find out if you have high cholesterol. If so, work with your doctor to control it.
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If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
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Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine
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Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
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Ask your doctor how you can lower your risk of stoke.
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Know the symptoms of a stroke.
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Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
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Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
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Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
A simple test can help you detect stroke symptoms and Act F.A.S.T. according to the National Stroke Association.
F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.