Different Strokes ... You don't have to be old, sick, fat, or a smoker to have one!

I just learned that Stroke is now considered to be the fourth cause of death in the U.S., downgraded from third, because of the use of tPA. (Tissue plasminogen activator). If you can get to the hospital inside of 1-3 hours, you may be a good applicant for tPA.

I also learned that a stroke patient loses roughly 32,000 brain cells per second, or 1.9 million every minute that you remain untreated. So, getting to the hospital at the first sign of stroke symptoms can make a HUGE difference to your future well being.

• Time is the key
• Call 911 immediately
• Say it's a stroke
• Get to the hospital ASAP
• Tell the EMT, and everyone you see that you are having a stroke!

The fact that tPA works in so many cases is great news! It's just sad that many hospitals charge upwards of $50,000 for this treatment.