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Strokes are not ageists

When my cousin Kathy was going through her divorce she was healthy, but under a tremendous amount of stress. Her doctor is still not sure if it was just the stress that caused it, but at 38 years old she had a stroke.

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.

Kathy was left paralyzed on her left side for a week. After a year of physical therapy, daily blood thinners, and a diet with a limited amount of dense green vegetables she is healthy again.

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.