May is American Stroke Month.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

If you want to find out if you are at risk for stroke, the American Heart Association has a risk assessment. There may be things that you can do to decrease your risk.

Beginning this May 2026, the American Stroke Association will adopt the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym for stroke warning signs. Recognizing the warning signs of stroke can help you take action in the moments that matter. When it comes to spotting stroke and getting help, the faster, the better.

B = Balance Loss: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?

E = Eye (Vision) Changes: Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.

F = Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

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 or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T = Time to Call 911. If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!