May is an important month! We talked about the importance of allergy testing last week, and this week we want to shine a light on stroke awareness. May was designated by President George H. W. Bush as National Stroke Awareness Month. The National Stroke Association works hard each year to bring awareness of strokes in hopes to conquer them. Check out their resource center for programs, activities and tons of valuable information.
A stroke happens after a blood clot blocks an artery or when a blood vessel breaks. This causes interrupted brain flow to the brain. Brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs when this happens.
“When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.” -Read more from the National Stroke Association here.
Did you know that up to 80% of strokes are preventable?
In order to prevent a stroke, check out our PLAC® Test. It’s a test that measures an increased enzyme caused by inflamed arteries. It can help your physician assess your risk and susceptibility for heart attacks and stroke. Support National Stroke Awareness Month by getting informed, spreading the word and getting tested!
