Do you know that stroke is the No. 4 cause of death among Americans, yet almost half of all Americans can’t name one stroke symptom?
Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the vessels leading to and within the brain. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. It can cause paralysis and affect language and vision.
About 795,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent stroke this year, and more than 137,000 of them will die. If more Americans are aware of the causes and symptoms of stroke, we have the ability to lower these numbers.
Stroke is largely preventable. By helping others understand their risk factor, such as age and ethnicity, and modifying their lifestyle to become healthier, we have the ability to build a stronger, healthier community.
I encourage the community to learn the facts about stroke this May for National Stroke Month.
retired Louisiana chief justice