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Health Moment History
STROKE AWARENESS
6746 Grasselli Road; Fairfield, AL 35064
       The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke.  This occurs when the
blood supply is cut off to a part of the brain with resulting damage to that area of the
brain.  Causes of the decreased blood flow can be fatty build up in the blood  vessels,
clots breaking loose from the heart, drugs such as cocaine or sudden drops in blood
pressure.  

       Most strokes happen suddenly and can damage the brain quickly so immediate
action is important.  Some symptoms of stroke are: off balance, slurred speech, face
droop, weak or numb on one side, vision loss or headache.  African Americans are
twice as likely to die from stroke as Whites.  80% of strokes are preventable.  
Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke.  

       Smoking doubles  the risk of stroke.  More than 2 alcoholic drinks/day increases
your chance of stroke.  Lowering your cholesterol and controlling your diabetes also
decreases your chance of stroke.