Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in our nation.  Each year about 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke, and more than 160,000 Americans die from stroke.  Between 15 and 30 percent of the almost 5 million stroke survivors living in the United States are permanently disabled.

Strokes are also costly.  Each year, stroke costs the United States $35 billion in direct costs and $56.8 billion in indirect costs.  One of the reasons that stroke is so deadly, so debilitating, and so costly is that many people do not recognize the symptoms of stroke or understand that strokes are acute medical emergencies requiring immediate action.  Frequently, stroke patients may wait as long as 24 hours before seeking medical attention. 

Recent studies have shown that many Americans do not identify numbness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg as a sign of stroke.  I strongly encourage you to learn more about the signs of stroke and the steps to take if you suspect a stroke.  One good resource is the National Stroke Association which encourages people to learn to “Act F.A.S.T.”  This acronym spells out:

FACE: Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.  Are the words slurred?  Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.  Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

You can learn more about “Act F.A.S.T.” by visiting the National Stroke Association website.

I am also pleased to let you know that I am supporting the “Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007," legislation to develop a comprehensive system dedicated to prevention, early intervention, and treatment of stroke.  The bill would authorize funds for the development of statewide systems for stroke care plus training and best practice guidelines for health professionals.  By enhancing education about stroke, we can reduce the number of deaths, the number of people disabled, and the costs of treating stroke.  I’m pleased to support this legislation and will work for its passage.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator