F- Facial drooping (ask person to smile - look for one sided facial drooping)

A- Arm weakness (ask person to raise both arms - look for downward drift)

S- Speech difficulties (slurred speech, inability to speak accurately)

T- Time to call emergency services. If any of the above findings are present or you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke call 911 IMEDITATELY. Treatment of stroke in proper time frame can determine life or death!

Smoking

Ethnicity of black American, Hispanic, indigenous, or Alaska native

Family history of stroke

Older than 65

Being obese

Having hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, sickle cell anemia, heart conditions

Substance use

Alcohol consumption of greater than 1-2 drinks/day

Use of oral contraceptives

If you have a cerebral aneurysm or AV malformation

Some risk factors that you can stop or decrease the effects of are:

Smoking

Hypertension

Diabetes

Obesity

Alcohol consumption

High cholesterol

The DASH diet is a good diet to follow, it is specifically designed to prevent or modify hypertension.

The DASH diet consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, legumes, heart-healthy oils, and low-fat sweets.

Talk with your doctor to get more information on healthy eating.

Lose weight if needed

Participate in 150 minutes of exercise per week

Maintain or achieve a healthy weight

Don't smoke

Don't drink alcohol excessively

Take medication prescribed to manage your diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol

Keep blood pressure within the expected range

Maintain a blood sugar level within the normal range

Participate in routine screenings to detect diseases and problems that might put you at risk for stroke