Attention Retirees: Risk of Stroke Increases with Age.
There is a huge cost of stroke to all Americans; Stroke is our nation's third leading cause of death, killing nearly 160,000 Americans every year. Stroke takes an especially high toll on older Americans.
- Stroke risk increases with age. For each decade after age 55, the risk of stroke doubles.
- For adults over age 65, the risk of dying from stroke is seven times that of the general population.
- The over-50 population has risen approximately 19 percent from 1994-2000, making it the fastest growing U.S. age group. This puts more people at higher risk for stroke every day.
Help yourself and help others!
Know the five common stroke symptoms.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache
Call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms.
Treatment can be more effective if given quickly.
Every minute counts.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in this country.
Learn how to protect yourself.
Call the National Stroke Association at 1-800-STROKES (800-787-6537)
or their website at www.stroke.org