Today is World Stroke Day.  As an estate planning attorney, I have seen how a stroke can dramatically change an individual's life, as well as the lives of the individual's family members.  Depending on the severity, a stroke can rob the patient of their mental capabilities in a matter of minutes.  Therefore, it so important for everyone to know the signs of a stroke and to understand what to do.

What are the risk factors associated with a stroke?

The risk factors associated with a stroke include age, gender, family history and other medical conditions.  Some of these risk factors - age, gender and family history - are completely out of your control.  However, there are medical conditions that you may have that, if regularly monitored and controlled, can drastically reduce your risk of stroke.  Those controllable risk factors include:

• Smoking;
• High cholesterol;
• High blood pressure;
• Overweight; and
• Poor diet.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Time matters!  Seeking treatment is imperative if you or someone else is suffering a stroke.  If you can't remember anything, remember the acronym F A S T.  

1. F stands for face drooping.  
2. A stands for arm weakness.
3. S stands for speech difficulty.
4. T stands for then it's time to call 911!  

There are additional symptoms of a stroke and you can learn more about those symptom by clicking here.

What should you do?

If you notice anything that is suddenly different in yourself or anyone else, you must act fast.  As the saying goes, it is better to be safe, than sorry.  Immediately seek medical attention.  Do not attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room or your doctor's office.  Instead, please call 911.  Time is of the essence when treating a stroke and it needs to be done in a controlled environment by medical professionals.

For More Information

To learn more information about strokes, please visit the American Stroke Association's website.

For more information regarding World Stroke Day, visit the click here for information from the American Stroke Association or here for information from the World Stroke Organization.

We Are Here to Help

Please educate yourself on the risk factors, symptoms and treatment steps of a stroke.  In addition, take control of your own health.  By educating yourself on the risk factors associated with a stroke, you can take steps to actively reduce your own risks for a stroke.  Lastly, we encourage you to complete your estate plan, including a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney so that your affairs can be handled in the event you suffer a debilitating stroke.  That's where we can help!  Your loved ones will benefit from your preparedness.  Call our office today to schedule an appointment to create, or update, your estate plan