Announcement: World Stroke Day --- October 29, 2009

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States (1). Approximately 795,000 strokes occur each year in the United States, at an estimated cost of $68 billion (1). World Stroke Day is October 29. The theme of this year's observance is What Can I Do?

Public health practitioners and other health professionals can encourage their patients to lower the risk for stroke by preventing or controlling high blood pressure and diabetes, lowering cholesterol, avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol use, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables and less salt and saturated fat. Public health agencies also should educate members of the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of dialing 911 immediately for prompt medical attention.

CDC addresses stroke prevention by working with state-based programs, the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry, and other organizations to develop strategies to prevent heart disease and stroke. Additional information regarding stroke is available at http://www.cdc.gov/stroke. More information regarding World Stroke Day 2009 is available at http://www.world-stroke.org/world_day.asp.

Reference

1. Lloyd-Jones D, Adams R, Carnethon M, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics 2009 update. A report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation 2009;119:e21--181.

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Date last reviewed: 10/21/2009