Help us to raise awareness this May by discussing stroke with your family, neighbors and colleagues. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability for all Americans, but African Americans are at increased risk due to high rates of factors such as family history, diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you’ve suffered a stroke, you are at increased risk for another one, or even a heart attack. The risk never goes away, but there are some things you may do to reduce your risk like eating healthier, working to lower your blood pressure and regularly engage in exercise and healthy habits. If physical activity and healthy eating is not enough to reduce your risk, ask your doctor about appropriate medication to help reduce your risk and take it as prescribed.

Contact the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign at powertoendstroke.org and register to receive an E-newsletter and make a personal promise to reduce stroke for yourself and your community. Visit www.powertoendstroke.org or call 1-888-4-STROKE.

Know the Facts

•Each year, 795,000 experience a stroke – that is every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke.
•Stroke is the leading cause of disability in this country. Outcomes could improve drastically if medical attention is received within three hours of the first warning signs.
•Each year 55,000 more women than men have a stroke
•The African-American community is especially at danger, as they have twice the risk of incidence than whites. More than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke every year.

Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $543 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!

For more information please contact one of your
Start! Sandhills Heart Walk staff partners at 910-323-9387
or via email at startwalk.sandhillsnc@heart.org

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