It’s a grim statistic that 1 out of 4 people are going to have a stroke at some point in their lives, and World Stroke Day is an observance day that attempts to draw attention to the real danger that strokes present to people. This day is observed on October 29th every year and is designed to help people take action so that they can avoid being one of the estimated 15 million people who are killed by strokes each year.

The History of World Stroke Day

World Stroke Day was started by the World Stroke Organization in 2006 as an annual event to be celebrated every year to raise awareness about the damaging effects of strokes. This is a holiday that helps people realize the dangers of strokes so that they can take the measures they need to avoid having one.

Facts About Strokes

We all know, or should know, how dangerous strokes can be, but the following grim statistics underline that fact. The following facts show why it’s extremely important for people to think about making lifestyle changes on this day that will help them reduce their chances of suffering from a potentially life-threatening stroke.

• Every year, almost 800,000 Americans will have a stroke.
• Every year, over 140,000 Americans will die from a stroke.
• Almost 1 out of 4 strokes occur in people who have already had a stroke.
• Almost 90% of all strokes are ischemic strokes—or strokes that restrict or block blood flow in the brain.
• Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability.
• 1 out of 4 people in the world will have a stroke during their lifetime.

Symptoms of a Stroke

Although there is no definitive way to stop a stroke, people can learn the signs of a stroke so that some of the damage can be mitigated. The faster a person can seek medical treatment during a stroke, the less brain damage that can occur. Therefore, it’s important for everyone to be able to recognize the signs of a stroke so that they can take action immediately.

Symptoms of a Stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs.
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking.
• Inability to see with one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance.
• Sudden headache with no known cause.

Identifying a Stroke in Another Person

Being able to identify the signs of a stroke in another person is also extremely helpful. The F.A.S.T. system is a way to help people identify strokes in other people and is listed below.

• “F” stands for face. Is one side of the person’s face drooping?
• “A” stands for arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• “S” stands for speech. Can the person repeat a simple phrase?
• “T” stands for time. If any of the above signs are noticed, then call for help immediately.

Observing World Stroke Day

The best way to observe World Stroke Day is by educating yourself about strokes and how you can reduce your chances of having a stroke. It’s also a good day to educate friends and family members on their risk of stroke and how they too can reduce their risks.