Raising stroke awareness and prevention

— Source: American Heart Association

Recognizing the significance of May: National Stroke Month 

May is significant in the realm of health awareness as it marks National Stroke Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. 

The reality of strokes: Statistical impact in America 

Statistics reveal the stark reality of strokes in America. According to the American Heart Association, every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke, making it an alarmingly common occurrence. Even more distressing is the fact that every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone loses their life due to a stroke. Annually, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer from a stroke, with approximately 610,000 of these being first or new strokes.  

The financial strain of strokes 

The toll of strokes extends beyond human suffering to economic burden. Between 2018 and 2019, stroke-related costs in the U.S. reached nearly $56.5 billion, according to the American Heart Association. This encompasses expenses related to healthcare services, medications for stroke treatment, and the economic impact of missed days of work. The financial strain imposed by strokes underscores the urgent need for preventive measures and effective management strategies. 

Dispelling myths: Strokes prevalence across age ranges 

Contrary to common misconceptions, strokes are not solely an affliction of the elderly. While stroke risk does increase with age, strokes can and do occur at any age. In fact, in 2014, 38 percent of people hospitalized for stroke were less than 65 years old. This serves as a poignant reminder that stroke awareness and prevention efforts must target individuals of all age groups. 

The importance of awareness and early intervention 

“As we observe National Stroke Month, let us unite in raising awareness about strokes and advocating for early intervention,” said TidalHealth Neurosurgeon Dr. Sophia Shakur. "By promoting healthy lifestyle choices, we can mitigate risk factors.”