May is National Stroke Awareness Month, recognized to help increase understanding and prevention of strokes.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel leading to or in the brain is blocked or ruptures. These blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients to the brain. During a stroke, oxygen and nutrients are unable to reach the brain, and brain cells die. If brain cells die in a location that regulates a specific body function, this may hinder that function from working properly.

There are three main types of strokes — ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack.

An ischemic stroke occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessel, and can be caused by blood clots, plaque, or other particles. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the blood vessels burst in the brain, preventing the blood flow needed to keep the brain alive. Transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is only blocked for a short amount of time.

Aside from understanding the differences in types of stroke, it is important to learn what to look for if you think someone is having a stroke. Knowing these warning signs could help save a life. Here is an acronym to remember some warning signs. Just remember, when these happen you need to act FAST.

Face — Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop when asked to smile?

Arm — Ask the person to raise their arms. Does one of their arms drift downward when asked to raise?

Speech — Is the person’s speech slurred or strange when asked to say simple phrases?

Time — Time to call 9-1-1 if any of these signs are present.

While it is possible for anyone at any age to have a stroke, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances. Some of these are controllable, and others are not. Uncontrollable risk factors include age, gender, race, and family history. Controllable risk factors include previous health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and/or sodium.

Some ways to help prevent or reduce our risk of stroke is by managing preexisting conditions and making healthier choices every day. If you have preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, work with your health care team to ensure you are on the path to managing those. Daily lifestyle choices such as limiting alcohol, eliminating smoking, incorporating physical activity, and including a healthy diet high in nutrient dense foods can help to prevent or reduce your overall risk.

For more information on National Stroke Awareness Month, contact your Pecos County extension agent at 431-336-2541.