In sticking with our theme of promoting stroke awareness this month, we want you to be aware of the damage strokes do to the individual, the 
family and our society. What do you know about stroke? Are you or a loved one at risk? Here are some alarming statistics on stroke in the United States:
- On average, one American dies from stroke every 4 minutes.
- Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. One in four are recurrent strokes.
- Ischemic strokes happen when blood clots block the blood vessels to the brain. About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic.
- Strokes cost the United States an estimated $38.6 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and missed days of work.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability
- Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year—that’s 1 of every 19 deaths.
Despite the medicines available, the “American lifestyle” plays a large part in the stroke numbers. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for stroke. About half of Americans (49 percent) have at least one of these three risk factors. Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for stroke, including:
- Diabetes
- Being overweight and obese
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
What can Hammer Medical do to help you reduce your stroke risk? We have equipment to help you keep tabs on your weight, blood pressure and diabetes. We also carry a full line of products to assist those that have had strokes and are recovering. See us today to learn how we can help you and your loved ones lower your risk for strokes and live overall healthier lives!
Sources: Stroke.org and the CDC
Tags: stroke awareness