The National Stroke Association has declared May as National Stroke Awareness Month.
Throughout May, the association is encouraging stroke survivors and their loved ones, or anyone concerned about public health, to help spread information about strokes so members of the general public will be better informed about their symptoms and treatment.
According to the association, stroke is a major health concern. About 795,000 strokes will occur this year, or about one every 40 seconds. They will take a life approximately every four minutes.
On the National Stroke Association Website, people can learn more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of stroke. They can also learn more about the risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, physical inactivity, alcohol use and family history of strokes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnancy is a risk factor for the blood clots that are a major cause of stroke. So is the use of birth control pills.
While all birth control pills carry an elevated risk of blood clots, those containing the synthetic hormone drospirenone have up to three times the risk compared to other oral contraceptives, according to numerous studies. Birth controls pills with drospirenone include Yasmin, Yaz, Beyaz and Ocella.
For more information about Stroke Awareness Month, visit the National Stroke Association Website at www.stroke.org.
