Talking About Stroke Awareness the Only Way I Know How

I suffered a stroke on Monday May 3, 2010. The stroke affected the right side of my brain, leaving me with the loss of vision and the ability to read, write, speak in complete sentences and walk. I had just given birth to my youngest daughter six days earlier on April 27. Doctors said I had pushed too hard while in delivery and busted a blood vessel in my brain. This left me to have blood on my brain for five days before it became apparent to my then-husband that something was terribly wrong.

I was in the ICU at Arlington Memorial Hospital for about two weeks. Fortunately, after 72 hours, the bleeding stopped on my brain, but my brain was still severely swollen. Finally after about two more weeks, it went down and I was then moved to a regular hospital room. Over the next five months, I went through inpatient rehabilitation with the task of learning how to function the same as I had did prior to the stroke.

I had physical therapy every day, attempting to build strength in my body as well as helping my brain to function correctly.

I can proudly say today that I DID IT! I am back to walking and running, and thanks to my 4-year-old daughter Carlie, who taught me my ABCs again, I can read, write and speak in complete sentences. I am doing so well at it, that I even have a job as Brand Manager and Mid-Day Personality for Hot 107.3 Jamz in East Texas.

World Stroke Day is Oct. 29, 2013. The purpose is to raise awareness on the prevention and treatment of this condition. Stroke affects more than 15 million people every year. One out of every six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime, a person on average suffers a stroke every six seconds.

Approximately 6 million will die and roughly 5 million will be left permanently disabled. These numbers have pushed the World Stroke Organization (WSO) to launch the "1 in 6 Campaign" to emphasize that one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime and encourage them to learn about their risk factors.

The Because I Care campaign was kicked off last year to address the prevailing misinformation about the disease.

With that in mind, I have a six-day challenge for you. Each day, I will reveal a challenge that I would like to see you commit to, all Because I Care! Ready to get started? Here we go:

Day 1: Thursday, October 24, 2013

Challenge: Be aware of your personal risk factors.

Check your blood pressure. This can be done at your local pharmacy/drug store.
Make an appointment with your doctor for a physical, and make sure your cholesterol is under control and that you are not at risk for diabetes.

Keep me posted on your progress by emailing me with updates at shaniscott@hot1073jamz.com.