Become a Stroke Hero at StrokeAssociation.org/StrokeHero

Some superheroes have super speed. Others spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

You don’t need superpowers to be a Stroke Hero. Nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Spotting a stroke F.A.S.T. and getting rapid treatment could make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

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Featured: Stefan F. Reisch, Stroke Survivor

When Stefan Reisch was asked to model for the American Stroke Association’s Stroke Hero campaign, his first thought was that they were asking the wrong guy. “I’m not a hero,” he said. “But luckily I know some people who are.”

The Accident

The 911 call came in as a single-vehicle traffic accident; a suspected drunk driver. The EMT approached the driver and asked if he had been drinking or doing drugs. Then he asked him to smile.

Stefan clearly remembers what the EMT said to him next. “I think you’re having a stroke, buddy, we’re going to get you some help.”

Help for a Severe Stroke

First responders took Stefan directly to a comprehensive stroke center where he was quickly evaluated and diagnosed with a massive clot in a large artery in his brain, affecting his entire left side.

Staff administered a clot-busting drug and determined it wasn’t going to be enough. Fortunately, Stefan was in the right place at the right time. He was a candidate for a procedure where a specialist threads a catheter from groin to brain and removes the clot with a stent retriever.

Awake the entire time, Stefan clearly remembers what the medical team said – and how they said it –after they pulled out the offending clot. “We’ve got movement!”

A Hero in Disguise

Stefan isn’t a traditional “hero” but that’s the point of the American Stroke Association’s campaign: You don’t need superpowers to be a Stroke Hero, you just need to know the signs of stroke and what to do. After all, stroke is largely treatable.

“People can learn from my stroke story that someone having a massive stroke doesn’t have to die or be paralyzed. There are advances in technology that can save someone’s life, like mine,” he said.

Unless they read the fine print, people will assume Stefan is just a model who had the right look for the gig. Like a real superhero, only an observant few will know there is more than meets the eye for the man with super speed.

A HERO INdisguise

Find Answers, Support For StrokeFinding help to navigate your stroke is as easy as opening a web browser with two resources from American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Cryptogenic Stroke Initiative: For stroke survivors who don’t know the cause of their stroke, the American Stroke Association’s cryptogenic stroke resources for patients and healthcare providers can help navigate the diagnostic options available to help prevent another stroke. Learn more at StrokeAssociation.org/CS

Online Support Network: Experiencing a stroke or becoming a caregiver to a stroke survivor can leave you feeling alone and overwhelmed. Meet others going through similar experiences, get advice, or pay forward kindness you received through the Support Network. Visit StrokeAssociation.org/SupportNetwork to connect any time of day or night.

FAST ActRemoving Telestroke Barriers

Two of the barriers robbing stroke patients of treatments that may improve their lives and prevent long term disability are lengthy travel times to primary stroke centers and a shortage of neurologists.

Stroke telemedicine, known as telestroke, offers a solution, bringing a stroke specialist to the patient’s bedside with a flip of a switch.

The Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act would require Medicare to pay for telestroke evaluations regardless of where the patient lives. This bill would provide patients with the urgent care they need while also saving money by reducing the likelihood of disability and the long-term rehabilitation that may result.

To learn more and support the FAST Act, visit StrokeAssociation.org/FASTact

PRESSURE RAISERSAbout three in four people who suffer a first stroke have blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Keep an eye out for these sneaky blood pressure raisers.

Fresh Citrus and Ginger Coleslaw Serves 4 | 2/3 cup per serving ½ teaspoon grated orange zest ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil 1 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot 3 cups packaged shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix ¼ cup finely chopped red onion

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, oil, and gingerroot.

2. Add the coleslaw mix and onion, tossing to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors blend.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)Calories 70Total Fat 2.5 gSaturated Fat 0.0 gTrans Fat 0.0 gPolyunsaturated Fat 0.5 gMonounsaturated Fat 1.5 gCholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 15 mgCarbohydrates 12 gFiber 1 gSugars 9 gProtein 0 gDietary Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate

This recipe is reprinted with permission from Healthy Soul Food Recipes, Copyright © 2016 by the American Heart Association. Available on ShopHeart.org while supplies last.

Salt The American Heart Association recommends people aim to eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Decongestants People with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Always read the labels on all OTC medications.

Sitting Taking three-minute walk breaks during an eight-hour day was linked to a 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure.

5 THINGS EVERY STROKE HERO SHOULD KNOW

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, but stroke is largely preventable and treatable. You don’t need superpowers to be a Stroke Hero, you just need to know the risk factors and warning signs.

EVEN SUPERHEROES ARE IN DANGER. Stroke risk increases with age, but young adults, children, and even babies in the womb can suffer strokes. If one of your parents had an ischemic stroke before 65, you are at 3x the risk of suffering one yourself.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS STROKE’S PUBLIC ENEMY #1. Three out of four people who suffer first strokes have high blood pressure. 140/90 is too high. Lowering your systolic number by 10 or your diastolic number by 5 can cut your risk of stroke death in half.

ANYONE CAN HAVE A STROKE, BUT SOME ARE AT INCREASED RISK. Blacks have nearly twice the risk for a first-ever stroke as whites.

STROKE IS LARGELY TREATABLE. Clot-busting drugs and medical devices have made stroke largely treatable, but every second counts. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to recover without permanent disability.

FRIENDS USUALLY SAVE FRIENDS FROM STROKE. Learn to recognize the warning signs of stroke - F.A.S.T. - Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, Time to call 911.

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SUPERPOWER?WHAT’S YOUR

Whether it’s super speed or super strength, everyone has a secret wish for a superpower

and a reason for wishing it. While the ability to fly or teleport is probably reserved for the comics,

you don’t need a superpower to prevent a stroke or help someone who’s having one. Be a Stroke Hero at

StrokeAssociation.org/StrokeHero

strokeSPOT A

ARM WEAKNESS SPEECH DIFFICULTY TIME TO CALL 911FACE DROOPING

Find out at StrokeAssociation.org/StrokeHero