Announcements: World Stroke Day — October 29, 2012 Monday,
October 29, is World Stroke Day 2012. Approximately 795,000
strokes occur annually in the United States. One of the leading
causes of disability, stroke occurs among all age groups,
including newborns, children, young adults, and older adults
(1). One in six persons worldwide will have a stroke in his or
her lifetime, and every 6 seconds someone will die from a stroke
(2,3). Although stroke is a common disease, it can be prevented.
In addition, with timely care and support, most stroke survivors
can recover and regain their quality of life. Everyone should
take the following actions to reduce their likelihood of having
a stroke: 1) know your personal risk factors, including high
blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol,
atrial fibrillation, and a history of having a transient
ischemic attack or previous stroke; 2) engage in physical
activity regularly; 3) maintain a healthy diet high in fruits
and vegetables; 4) limit alcohol consumpt