(RxWiki News) In an effort to highlight awareness and urge the public to lower their stroke risk today on World Stroke Day, the American Stroke Association is urging Americans to test their knowledge of the potentially deadly condition.
The American Stroke Association, part of the American Heart Association, is suggesting that individuals take the What's Your Stroke I.Q. Test to examine stroke awareness.
"Test your stroke knowledge at the AHA's web site."
The quiz, accessible on the association's Web site at heart.org, tests knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs of stroke and what to do if someone suffers a stroke. After completing the brief quiz, those who respond are asked to send the quiz on to others.
Dr. Edward Jauch, chairman of the American Stroke Association’s Stroke Council, and a professor, interim chief and research director for the division of emergency medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, noted that the American Stroke Association is proud to join the World Stroke Organization in bringing attention to the critical need to reduce stroke across the globe. He said the organization's message " is one of empowerment.”
Today's theme -- One in Six: Act Now! — highlights the fact that one out of every six people worldwide has a stroke, the second leading cause of death. A person suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States with a death occurring every three to four minutes.
World Stroke Day founder, the World Stroke Organization, urges individuals to act by taking the following steps:
1. Know the risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and obesity, and ensure they remain in a healthy range.
2. Remain physically active.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Limit the consumption of alcohol.
5. Don't smoke cigarettes. If you do smoke, seek out a cessation program.
6. Know the warning signs of stroke and know how to respond.
“World Stroke Day is an opportunity for every American to examine their risk factors to help reduce the burden of stroke, as well as to take charge of their health before the disease occurs,” Jauch said. “Everyone must recognize the urgency to learn how to prevent stroke, learn about stroke risks and know how to act quickly by calling 9-1-1 when a stroke occurs.”
