The red awareness ribbon is the color used for stroke awareness. May is stroke awareness month.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) “Each year in the United States, there are more than 800,000 strokes. Stroke is a leading cause of death in the country and causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65 and the risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55.” The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is the division of the NIH that provides education, brochures, and other information on strokes.
There is an acronym “BE FAST” used to help remember the signs of stroke. The stroke acronym means balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, and time.
- BALANCE – Balance loss or loss of coordination
- EYES – Eyesite changes: Loss, blurred, or double vision
- FACE – Face drooping or numbness
- ARM – Arm weakness or numbness in arms or legs on one side
- SPEECH – Speech difficulty: slurred speech or hard to understand
- TIME – Time for Help: If you experience stroke symptoms, it is important to quickly get medical care
October 29th is World Stroke Day. The American Stroke Association has helpful tools and more information about the “BE FAST” acronym.
The red stroke awareness ribbon is available on a variety of gifts and merchandise that can be customized with your own words and images. This ribbon art can also be available through the non-profit, DonnaBellas Angels. It provides inspirational art for mental health wellness. Email us at info@awarenessgallery.com. Below are some links to some of the items available in our red stroke awareness ribbon store.
