BECOME A STROKE SMART CHAMPION
WHY IT MATTERS
During a stroke, time lost is brain function lost. Strokes are the #1 cause of disability in the U.S. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke; precious time is lost when the patient calls their primary care doctor rather than 911. Precious time is lost if the patient is driven to a hospital that is not able to treat strokes. Stroke treatment requires a specific mediation and a specifically trained staff and is therefore not available at every emergency room. When you spot a stroke, call 911. The ambulance staff are trained to take you to place best suited to treat your emergency.
Stroke Smart Champions are active in their communities, educating those around them through five simple acts.
1) Ask
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May I take 2 minutes to tell you some important health info about Strokes?
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Do you know how to spot a stroke?
2) Warn: Strokes Kill and Disable
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Strokes are the number one cause of disability in the U.S.
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One in Six People with have a stroke in their lifetime
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Evert four minutes someone (in the US) dies of a stroke
3) Encourage: Quick Response Saves Lives
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A stroke happens when blood flow to your brain is interrupted
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Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke!
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Treatments to restore the blood flow and save the brain are available!
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If you are treated in time, you may go home in full health.
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The treatments are VERY TIME SENSITIVE
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A soon you Spot a Stroke— call 911
4) Know: Symptoms may include (even one!)
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Facial droop
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Weak or numb on one side of the body
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Slurred speech
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Loss of balance
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Loss of vision
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Severe headache
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Symptoms can come and go
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Call 911
5) Offer: Stroke Smart Magnet/Wallet Card
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Here is a reminder to keep in your wallet
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Please share this with your community
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If you need more, please let me know.
Download Free Resources! Free Downloads of Magnet Printouts, Wallet Cards, and more!
Stroke Smart champions place Stroke Smart magnets and wallet cards in high traffic areas for people to take (get permission when required!). Consider placing display cases at store register counters, in office waiting rooms, at registration check in desks, on office lunchroom tables, etc. Download your free Stroke Smart materials from our Stay Stroke Smart webpage. If you only need one or two memory aids for personal use, download our Spot a Stroke flyer (English) that will allow you to print an aid.
The materials are funded by the Coverdell grant from the Centers for Disease Control.