Stroke continues to be a major public health concern, with more than 750,000 new strokes occurring each year in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer and the leading neurologic cause of long-term disability. In California, stroke accounts for approximately 17,000 deaths each year, 50 deaths per 100,000 population. The annual cost of stroke exceeds $7 billion dolars (4.6 billion in medical care and 2.6 billion in lost productivity). Stroke has a large economic cost with an estimated annual directand indirect cost of $62.7 billion in the United States. Theestimated lifetime cost of an ischemic stroke in 1987 was $90,981($226,000 in 2005 dollars); however, between 1990 and 2000,the in-hospital charges, a proxy for cost, increased by 32%and 63% in rural and urban hospitals, respectively.
American Stroke Association late-breaking science report:
SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 26, 2010 — The antiplatelet drug cilostazol — used in the United States to treat leg pain associated with peripheral vascular disease — was more effective and safer than aspirin at preventing recurrent strokes in a Japanese trial presented as late-breaking science at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2010.
“This study demonstrated for the first time that cilostazol significantly reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic [blood-clot caused] stroke and the incidence of serious cerebral hemorrhage, compared to aspirin,” said Yukito Shinohara, M.D., lead author of the study and head of neurology at Tachikawa Hospital in Tokyo, Japan.
There are two types of ischemic strokes: embolic and thrombotic. In an embolic stroke, a blood clot or plaque fragment forms somewhere in the body (usually the heart or tin the large arteries leading to the brain) and moves through the bloodstream to the brain. Once in the brain, the blot blocks a blood vessel and leads to a stroke. A thrombotic stroke is a blood clot that does not travel but forms inside an artery which supplies blood to the brain. The clot may interrupt he blood flow and cause a stroke.
Tell your story, share what you did to regain your strength and start your life again after stroke. Connect with other stroke survivors, receive encouragement and support. Be included and share resources.
The University of Montana has published a news release that Montana researchers have learned that low doses of methamphetamine given to rodents after strokes reduce brain damage and impairment by 50 percent or more. As far as we know this this treatment has never been done before and it has been reported that this damage-reducing stroke drug is moving to human trials. This group is unfamiliar to us as is their highly unusual treatment approach. If you are knowledgeable about this or other non standard of care stroke practices please let us know.
A friend complimented me on the community outreach work that SAF is committed to. ”What a nice thing to do”, she said. She had no idea that I was reaching out to her too. She recently had a stroke and is dealing with cognitive damages. Her family hears me from a different perspective now.
Please hear me NOW my friends. I am not trying to be nice. Know the warning Signs:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, espcially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden sever headache with no known cause.
Any of the above symptoms may be temporary and last only a few minutes. This may be due to a “mini-stroke” called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) TIAs are extremely important indicators of an impending stroke. Don’t ignore them! If symptoms appear call 911 to get medical attention immediately.
There are an estimated six million stroke survivors in America.
What you can do to with your doctors help:
1. Have regular checkups- A doctor can pinpoint major risk factors such as smoking, elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, excess weight and diabetes.
2. Control your cholesterol - A simple blood test can show your blood cholesterol level. If it’s too high, dietary changes, exercise, eight loss and/or drugtherapy can bring it down to a safer level.
3. Keep tabs on your blood pressure – Even if it’s less than 120/80 mm Hg, have it checked at least every two years. If it’s 120/80 or above, have it checked more often, according to your doctor’s recommendations.
4. Keep diabetes in check – Your doctor can detect diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition and prescribe a program to minimize the risk.
Our 2010 calendar is filling up with Health Fairs, Support Groups, Summitts, Presentations and much more. Please visit our website events page and see if there is an upcoming event you are interested in attending.
If you know of a stroke event you would like us to post please email sherry@strokeinfo.org.
Carr Elementary in Fulton, Kentucky recently filled their auditorium with a big screen, sound and 84 4th graders. First the teacher explained what a stroke was and what symptoms someone is likely to have if they are having a stroke. They where then showed the 3 minute animated ACT FAST video seen on our website. The 4th graders were divided into four groups and 4 children were asked to come down in front; and get each group to to cheer one of the symptoms. They remembered all 4 symptoms! Way to go Carr Elementary!
On October 1, 2009 the Stroke Awareness Foundation hosted a Cool Jazz & Wine Tastingin appreciation of the contributions of our sponsors, stroke teams, emergency personal, care givers and stroke supporters. We personally thanked each of them for the improved community awareness and the ways in which they have helped better prepared you and your family for what can be the devastating effects of Stroke. Together we celebrated that the United States can boast to having 610 certified stroke centers, 26 which are in the Bay Area and 8 in our own County.
SAF strives to improve community awareness for stroke and its treatment through advocacy, education and public awareness programs in the community.
We continue to support hospital stroke center CERTIFICATION and REDIRECTION efforts of paramedics and emergency care, as well continued PUBLIC EDUCATION of the warning signs of stroke and the need to seek proper medical services immediately.
