According to the American Stroke Association:
- Stroke kills more than 143,000 people a year. That's about 1 of every 17 deaths. It's the No. 3 cause of death behind diseases of the heart and cancer.
- On average, every 3 to 4 minutes someone dies of stroke.
- Of every 5 deaths from stroke, 2 occur in men and 3 in women.
It is important to know the warning signs of a stroke. A simple acronym developed by the National Stroke Association is F.A.S.T.:
Face: Check the person for any numbness or loss of muscle control.
Arm: Is one sagging or unable to be raised.
Speech: Is the person slurring or unable to recall simple words.
Time: How long has the person been experiencing the above symptoms.
As you know I am walking in the American Heart Association's 2009 Start! San Diego Heart Walk. With Americans paying about $68.9 billion for stroke-related medical costs and disability the AHA has goals to increase awareness, scientific research, CPR education and improving treatment. I ask you to help support this organization's mission by making a donation. Every dollar makes a difference. If you are unable to give please tell your family and friends about this important cause or participate in a Start! Heart Walk near you.
FUND RAISING UPDATE: I set my fund raising goal this year at $500. I am only $75 shy of reaching my goal. Help me shatter my goal by clicking here to donate.
TRAINING UPDATE: The cold I developed after BlogHer '09 developed into a pretty serious case of bronchitis. I was bed ridden and coughing for over a week. Thanks to antibiotics and inhalers I am almost at 100%. I will begin my 3 mile a day walks this week.