Follow these tips to reduce stroke risk

Scientists have come up with easy to remember pointers, which can help reduce the risk of having a stroke. Stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain, and it can happen to anyone at any age.

Dr. Jose Biller, chair of Loyola's Department of Neurology believes that one can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke by controlling factors such as tobacco and alcohol intake, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes), diabetes, obesity and heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

He said that it was crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and prompt treatment potentially can reduce stroke damage significantly. He listed four steps to avoid a stroke, calling it 'FAST':

F. Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A. Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S. Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T. Time. If you observe any of these signs, it's an emergency.