Know the Signs, Save a Life
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. The good news is that 80 percent of strokes are preventable.
Preventing and controlling high blood pressure (the No. 1 risk factor), maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, getting quality sleep, and stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake all help reduce the risk of stroke.
Use the letters in “FAST” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 911:
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital as soon as possible. Stroke is largely treatable, and the faster the stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover.
Recently, CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich signed on to help with the 2017 American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, to be held Sept. 23 in Anchorage. The walk raises funds to help fight heart disease and stroke. CIRI invites shareholders, descendants and anyone else reading this newsletter to get involved, either as a walker, a donor or volunteer. To find out more, visit www.heartwalk.org.
