Stroke Awareness

Stroke is third leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.  When someone has a stroke, the blood flow to part of the brain stops or is dramatically reduced.  Cells in the brain do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need and start to die. 

It is important to understand the factors that can increase your risk for stroke.  Research has shown that you can take steps to prevent stroke by reducing and controlling your risk factors. 

It is also very important to know the warning signs of stroke.  If you act quickly and seek treatment immediately, you could reduce the disabilities caused by stroke.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these signs of stroke.

Stroke Resources

The following links provide resources for additonal information about stroke, TIA, and important warning signs.

You can research stroke and other medical information through our Ohealthy portal.  Ohealthy provides, comprehensive patient education materials, the latest health news, and much more.

Patient Education Materials (American Stroke Association)
This site provides access to a stroke education toolkit, brochures, and free downloadable educational materials.

Let’s Talk About Risk Factors for Stroke (American Stroke Association)
This fact sheet answers the following questions about stroke risk factors:

  • Why is it important to know my risk for stroke?
  • What risk factors can I change or treat?
  • What are the risk factors I can’t control?
  • How can I learn more?
  • What are the warning signs of stroke?

Let's Talk About Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs (American Stroke Association)
This fact sheet answers the following questions in regards to stroke, TIA and warning signs:

  • What is a stroke?
  • What is a TIA?
  • Why should I care about stroke? It seems hopeless.
  • What are the warning signs of stroke?
  • How can I learn more?

Warning Signs of Stroke (American Stroke Association)
This printable pdf can help you identify the signs of stroke.  This can be used as a handout.

Act F.A.S.T.
This printable pdf provides a reminder to act quickly in response to stroke warning signs.  This can be used as a handout or poster.

Recognizing a Stroke
This provides simple steps you can take to recognize a stroke. 

What is TIA
This provides important information on TIA (transient ischemic attack), which can be a serious warning sign of stroke.

Additional Resources:

 "Give Me 5" Campaign
Activist Morgan Fairchild has teamed up with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American Stroke Association (ASA). She is raising awareness about the warning signs of stroke and the importance of getting to the emergency department fast with a campaign called “Give Me 5: Walk, Talk, Reach, See, Feel.” - Read More...

Read the "give Me 5" FAQ's