Worth Noting
May is American Stroke Month
Older Americans Month photo project asks: How do you live “Well Beyond 60?” To celebrate Older Americans Month in May, the Ohio Department of Aging is asking Ohioans of all ages to submit pictures that show how they or their loved ones are living “Well Beyond 60!” Through May 15, Ohioans can visit the Ohio Department of Aging on social media to share photos and short video clips that show the many things older Ohioans can do to be healthier, avoid injury, keep chronic conditions in check and contribute to their communities. May is celebrated nationally as Older Americans Month to recognize the achievements of our elders and acknowledge the many organizations that serve them, care for them and provide them with opportunities to contribute. Ohio’s theme for 2015, “Well Beyond 60!” emphasizes the role that each of us plays in determining our own health and wellness. Contribute to the Older Americans Month Photo Project on Facebook.com/OhioDepartmentOfAging or Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #WellBeyond60 and mentioning @OhioDeptOfAging Submit photos by mail to: Ohio Department of Aging. ATTN: Older Americans Month Photo Project, 50 W. Broad St./9th Fl., Columbus OH 43215-3363. Visit aging.ohio.gov for more info.
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Aging Answers
Knowing these three things may save a life from stroke. Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, yet 80 percent of strokes are preventable. During American Stroke Month in May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association asks Northeast Ohioians to know if they are at risk for stroke, warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency. Together to End Stroke, nationally sponsored by Covidien, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize a stroke and what to do if one occurs: F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? T - Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately. Additional stroke signs include: sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding. Visit heart.org/cleveland or for a free stroke risk assessment, go to StrokeAssociation.org/strokemonth.
May 2015