Many people are unaware of what a stroke is; much less know how to prevent one from occurring. The National Stroke Association states that a stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.  When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.

In order to determine the severity of a person’s stroke, it depends on how many brain cells are lost during the stroke. For example, someone who has experienced a small stroke suffers minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. A person who has had a severe stroke may be paralyzed or lose his or her ability to speak due to the loss of too many brain cells. It is important to note that although some people may have a full recovery, more than two-thirds of stroke survivors will have some type of disability.

Whether or not one experiences a stroke is out of our hands, however, there is good news. According to the National Stroke Association, 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. Taking necessary actions will help reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Use the National Stroke Association's stroke prevention guidelines to learn how you may be able to lower your risk for a first stroke:

• Know your blood pressure.
• Find out if you have atrial fibrillation.
• If you smoke, stop.         
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Find out if you have high cholesterol.
• Exercise
• Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
• Understand whether you have circulation (movement of the blood through the heart and blood vessels) problems and
• Know the symptoms of stroke.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or                                           leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or                                            understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance                                             or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Source: National Stroke Association