October 29 is World Stroke Day. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association website, World Stroke Day was established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006 to help spread public awareness of the world’s high stroke risk and stroke prevalence.
The site notes that the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association supports the annual campaign by educating Americans about the stroke warning signs and the importance of taking action immediately. According to the site, stroke is ranked the No. 4 cause of death and leading cause of disability in the US, yet many Americans do not think of stroke as a major health risk.
To support the campaign, the site says participants can engage in a variety of strategies, including downloading and sharing the Spot A Stroke F.A.S.T Infographic in their social media channels on World Stroke Day to help friends and colleagues become aware of and learn the stroke warning signs. A F.A.S.T mobile app can also be downloaded to provide information about stroke and the most common warning signs.
Healthcare professionals and providers can also use resources in the Stroke Resource Center to educate their staff, patients, and community about stroke.
Source: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
