Need 2 Know: Stroke Prevention

KETTERING, OH (WDTN) - We often hear about heart attacks, but what about brain attacks? Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. Here's what you need to know to prevent a stroke. And by the way, 80 percent of them are preventable.

Last march 56-year old Regina Allen found herself in the emergency room of Kettering Medical center. "I didn't know until my voice and my words started slurring. I knew then I had a stroke." says Allen. It was Regina's sister who recognized the symptoms and quickly took action. "I went to the restroom and came out and was talking to her and she looked at my face and once side of my face was droopy."

A droopy face is one stroke symptom. Others include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or being unable to speak at all, vision loss and occasionally dizziness.

Doctor Tim Schoonover is the Medical Director of the Stroke program for the Kettering Network, he says a quick response to stroke symptoms is important. "If someone has symptoms consistent with stroke call 911 right away. Don't wait and see if it gets better. Don't call your doctor and get an appointment. Call 911 and get assessed, that is really the key."

Controlling the risk factors to prevent a stroke is also key. Obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle all play a big role in whether you'll end up in the hospital.

Regina has no long term effects from her stroke, but she is one of the lucky ones. "She still has the damaged area, but she was able to recover from that because her brain took over for that area." says Schoonover. "It was a scare, I thought I was getting ready to leave, but I asked God to leave me here to see my grand baby. I wanted to be here to see them." said Allen. And she did, her first grandchild was born at Kettering Medical Center Christmas Eve.

As for Regina, she has completely changed her lifestyle. She watches what she eats and exercises three days a week.