Month Focus on Strokes: Ways to Participate
Stroke Awareness Month, observed annually in May with the hashtag #StrokeMonth, aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries from stroke by educating the public about common risk factors and signs, and raising funds for stroke research.
Strokes, which can be life-threatening, occur due to either ischemic or hemorrhagic causes. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot, while hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a burst blood vessel. Symptoms of a stroke can include confusion, difficulties with speech, weakness or numbness, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulties walking, vision problems, and severe headaches.
There are several ways to get involved during Stroke Awareness Month. One of the most impactful ways is by organizing or joining fundraising events such as local 5Ks, half-marathons, or triathlons to raise money and awareness for stroke research and support.
Another way to contribute is by sharing personal stories about stroke experiences on platforms provided by advocacy organizations. This can help educate others and reduce stigma. Utilizing social media is also an effective way to disseminate life-saving information about stroke prevention, recognizing signs and symptoms, and available resources.
Participating in community stroke awareness events, such as the Stroke Social Event hosted by health care providers, is another great way to get involved. Promoting outdoor activity and cardiovascular health is also encouraged, as 80% of strokes are preventable by managing risk factors like blood pressure and obesity through exercise.
The American Stroke Association (ASA) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) offer valuable resources for information and support. The ASA provides a stroke communications kit with pre-made social media messages and images for people to share, while the NINDS offers a stroke community education toolkit that people can use to teach others about stroke, available in English and Spanish.
Attending and encouraging others to do the same during Stroke Awareness Month also contributes to its aims and could save lives. You can show your support by pinning a purple ribbon to your clothing, the colour symbolizing stroke awareness.
The ASA offers information and support to improve the quality of life for those who have experienced a stroke and provides valuable information for caregivers. By getting involved in Stroke Awareness Month, you can help foster public education, advocate for stroke survivors, and support ongoing stroke research and prevention efforts.
References:
- Stroke Awareness Month
- Stroke Awareness Month: How to Get Involved
- Stroke Awareness Month: How You Can Help
- Exercise and Stroke Recovery
- Stroke Prevention: Managing Risk Factors
- This month, we honor Stroke Awareness Month, focusing on reducing deaths and injuries due to stroke.
- By educating the public on common risk factors and symptoms, we aim to save lives and support stroke research.
- Strokes, life-threatening incidents, occur through ischemic or hemorrhagic causes.
- Ischemic strokes stem from blood clots; hemorrhagic strokes are due to burst blood vessels.
- Symptoms can include confusion, speech difficulties, weakness/numbness, dizziness, balance issues, difficulties walking, vision problems, severe headaches, and more.
- Engaging in fundraising events, like 5Ks or triathlons, is an impactful way to contribute during Stroke Awareness Month.
- Sharing personal stories can help reduce stigma and educate others on stroke experiences.
- Utilizing social media helps disseminate life-saving stroke prevention info, signs, and resources.
- Community stroke awareness events, like the Stroke Social Event, provide opportunities to get involved.
- Encouraging outdoor activity and cardiovascular health is vital, as 80% of strokes are preventable through risk factor management.
- The American Stroke Association offers resources for information and support.
- The ASA provides a stroke communications kit for social media promotion.
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke offers a stroke community education toolkit, available in English and Spanish.
- Pinning a purple ribbon to your clothing shows support for Stroke Awareness Month.
- The American Stroke Association offers quality-of-life improvements for stroke survivors and caregiver support.
- By participating in Stroke Awareness Month, you foster public education, advocate for stroke survivors, and support ongoing stroke research and prevention efforts.
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