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F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Recognize the warning signs of stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately. This can make the difference between a strong recovery and disability or even death.
F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911
Infographic: Link to transcript
copyright American Heart Association 2022
Full text of understanding high blood pressure infographic
May 17 – World Hypertension Day
A key risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, the “silent killer”
- Most of the time there are no obvious symptoms.
- Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure.
- When left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health threats.
Stroke is dangerous and deadly — the No. 5 killer and a leading cause of disability in America. But you can control and treat several risk factors for stroke.
Whole body wellness can help you feel stronger, healthier and mentally sharp – and it can also reduce your stroke risk.
It’s never too late to start making healthier choices:
- Get enough sleep - Adults need 7-9 hours per night. Teenagers and children need more.
- Get regular check-ups - Schedule regular visits with your health care provider. Talk about how to control or manage your risk factors.
- Move more, sit less
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (or a combination) per week.
- Eat Healthy Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
- Reduce your intake of sodium, added sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
- Don’t smoke or vape If you currently smoke or vape, quit.
Stay healthy and active to help reduce your risk of STROKE, heart disease, memory loss and difficulty with thinking and learning.
Need help quitting? We have tips on how to Mediterranean Diet and how it can help your heart and brain.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Time to Manage Stress and Manage Your Health
While you may feel too busy to de-stress – you can decide to take back your “me time,” one moment at a time.
Did you know?
* Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke?
* Between work, family and world events – too many of us are running on empty for the sake of others, particularly women. Constant, chronic stress can have real impacts on health.
* That’s why the American Heart Association is sharing science-backed tips for managing stress for better health.
May Calendar Highlights
American Stroke Month, Blood Pressure EducationMonth, Better Sleep Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Women’s Health Month, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month, Military Appreciation Month - Million Veteran Program, National Physical Fitness & Sports and Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, National Salsa Month as well as other important dates below.
May 1 – May Day
May 5 – Orthodox Easter | Cinco De Mayo commemorates Mexico’s unexpected victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 | National Salsa Month - Salsa recipe
May 5-11 – National Hurricane Preparedness Week - How to take care of kids when a natural disaster strikes and Disaster Resources page | Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week - Prioritizing family time | National Pet Week - Healthy Bond for Life | 5 Ways Pets Help with Stress and Mental Health
May 6-10 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6-12 – National Nurses Week
May 7 – World Asthma Day
May 12 – Mother’s Day, International Nurses Day
May 12-18 – National Hospital Week | National Women’s Health Week | Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
May 17 – World Hypertension Day - Learn the facts about high blood pressure
May 19-25 – EMS Week
May 20 - National Strawberry Month/Pick Strawberry Day - Strawberry Recipes
May 21 - The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development | Eat More Fruits & Vegetables Day - Fruit Recipes - Vegetable Recipes
May 27 – Memorial Day - honoring those who lost their lives while defending their country.
May 29 – National Senior Health and Fitness Day
May 31 - World No Tobacco DayLooking ahead to June:
National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1-7 to stress the importance of CPR and AED use.
