World Stroke Day is Oct. 29

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"I will not have a stroke."

Take a stand. Make small changes to improve your brain function and prevent stroke.

Strokes don't discriminate. A stroke can affect anyone, at any age. About one in four people worldwide will have a stroke in his or her lifetime.

To prevent stroke, it's vital to understand your risk factors. Some risk factors — such as age, race, gender and family history — are outside of your control. But you can control other risk factors.


Healthy habits can protect and improve your brain function — which can also lower your risk for stroke.

Here are some steps you can take that may help you prevent stroke:

  • Monitor your blood pressure.
  • Control your cholesterol.
  • Keep your blood sugar down.
  • Get active.
  • Eat better.
  • Lose weight if you need to.
  • Don't smoke, period.
  • Take medications, such as aspirin, as prescribed.
* Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
 

Learn about the steps you can take to prevent stroke
couple kayaking

Raise funds to end stroke and heart disease with One CycleNation

Join our One CycleNation digital event on World Stroke Day, Oct. 29, to get your heart pumping while raising funds for prevention and treatment of stroke and heart disease.

We’ll be joined by special celebrity guests who will ride and encourage head-to-head in competitions, and celebrate participants (such as yourself!) for fundraising and distance achievements.

Learn more!

I have risk factors and I want to avoid stroke.

80 percent of first strokes may be *prevented.* You have the power.
Learn How

I'm a stroke survivor and I want to prevent another stroke.

1 in 4 stroke patients have another one. Survivors have the power to reduce that risk by working with their doctor.
Learn more

I’m a professional and I want to help my patients.

Empower your patients to reduce their stroke risk.
Find Resources
child and adult holding a cutout of a family
woman standing on a street corner

"I will act F.A.S.T."

Acting quickly may be the difference between recovery and disability. Use the letters F.A.S.T. to spot the signs of stroke and know when to call 9-1-1.
Learn the warning signs and symptoms of stroke
Letter F

Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? 

Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
letter A

Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

letter S

Speech 

Is speech slurred? 

Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
Letter t

Time to Call 9-1-1

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Additional Signs of Stroke

With stroke, it's crucial to act quickly, to increase chances of recovery. If someone shows any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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

Further warning signs and symptoms

World Stroke Day Resources

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
Trate el ataque o derrame cerebral F.A.S.T.
Improve Brain Function. Prevent Stroke Risk.
Mejora tu function cerebral. Ayuda a prevenir un ataque o derrame cerebral.