Strokes cause a tremendous toll on millions of Americans every year, young and old, male and female, and from every background. The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable.  Though one out of six people will suffer from a stroke in his or her lifetime, the vast majority of Americans do not think that stroke is a large health concern. This is why American Stroke Month is important. Each May, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association take opportunity to spread stroke awareness on American Stroke Month by rallying Americans behind their cause.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When this happens, a part of the brain is unable to get blood and oxygen causing it and the brain cells to die. Strokes can cause long-term effects such as physical challenges, communication problems, as well as emotional and behavioral challenges.

Stroke prevention starts with controlling key risk factors, including, cigarette smoking, lack of physical activity, and high blood pressure. If you are having a stroke, it is imperative to get immediate medical attention which may minimize effects of a stroke and prevent death. A quick and easy way to remember how to recognize a stroke is to think of FAST, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911.  Now that you know how to prevent, recognize, and how to act when a stroke occurs, you can be a stroke hero.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an astonishing true-life story of a man who had the world in his hands but became a bed bound, hospitalized stroke survivor. This movie does a wonderful job of depicting how quickly a stroke can occur and the side effects that come with it. For another insight on how a stroke can affect you or the ones you love watch The Lovely Patient, which showcase the effects of strokes and portrays them in a realistic light. Films such as these are important because they educate the audience about strokes. Help others learn about the harsh realities of stroke by sharing one of these beautiful films with them.

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