Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America.  So in our Family Matters segment today, Providence Stroke Neurologist, Dr. Lisa Yanase, and stroke survivor, Neville Baker, joined us to talk about stroke prevention and treatment.

Everyone should know FAST, the signs of stroke:
• F=Face--ask the person to smile. If one side of the face appears crooked or drooping this person may be having a stroke
• A=Arms--ask the person to lift both of his or her arms in the air--if he or she has difficulty with one arm this too might be a sign that this person is having a stroke
• S=Speech--ask the person to speak. If his or her words are slurred or they are unable to speak, they might be having a stroke
• T=Time. If any of the above symptoms are present you must call 911 immediately in order to make sure that this person reaches the hospital FAST.

80% of strokes are preventable. People should know their risk factors- and how to prevent stroke.

 
Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Family history
  

Prevention

• Healthy diet
• Exercise
• Low sodium diet
• Don’t smoke

Every year Providence Brain Institute holds a Streaks for Stroke event in May.

Hairstylists Roberts of Portland give people red streaks in their hair to promote stroke awareness.
 
This year’s Streaks for Stroke event:

• Saturday May 8th
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Washington Square Mall
• Below the food court

For more information about Stroke Prevention and Treatment, go to our website's Family Matter's section.