This is the month to learn about the danger of strokes

This is the month to learn about the danger of strokes
EDITOR:
In recognition of May as American Stroke Month, I am hoping to alert your readers to the warning signs of stroke in the hopes that I can help save one life or reduce disability in even one person.
Stroke is America's No. 3 killer, and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability yet in a recent survey of 1,000 adults, the American Stroke Association found that most baby boomers only know one -- not all -- of the stroke warning signs and what to do if someone has a stroke. They are moving closer to the age -- 55 -- when their own stroke risk will begin to double with each successive decade.
Stroke symptoms include: 1) sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; 2) sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; 3) sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; 4) sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and 5) sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 immediately to get medical help. Many new drugs exist to help those who have suffered a stroke but they must be administered within three hours from the onset of stroke symptoms.
It's important to know the risk factors for stroke and how to reduce them. They include controlling high blood pressure, lowering elevated cholesterol levels, being physically active, avoiding obesity, not smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation and getting regular medical checkups.
Learn the warning signs of stroke during American Stroke Month by visiting StrokeAssociation.org. You can also call 1-888-4-STROKE for more information about stroke.
MICHAEL BURLEY, M.D., presidentMahoning/Columbiana Division Board
American Heart Association
Rove was calling the shots on the USS Abraham Lincoln
EDITOR:
I hope everyone had the pleasure of seeing the Karl Rove production of President Bush landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln in a chauffer driven fighter plane furnished by the U.S. Navy and paid for by the American taxpayer.A nd to just see Bush strut across the flight deck in full Navy flight gear with helmet tucked under his arm. What a thrill! And can you imagine the pressure on the Navy pilot when he thinks, "Boy if I miss the arresting gear, both me and my commander-in-chief will end up in the barrier, or worse."
Even though Bush's father was a Navy pilot in World War 11 who was shot down and Jack Kennedy had his PT Boat sunk, neither of them had the courage for a stunt such as this. But then, they couldn't claim victory in two wars in just a little over two years either. What a photo op as a prelude to declaring the end of the fighting in Iraq, a war which was fought to eliminate the threat of weapons of mass destruction, even though no WMDs have been found. Never fear, something will be found, and no matter how minor, given time and enough media exposure, it can always be turned into a major find.
The president's popularity remains high and if he can sustain those numbers probably two wars were enough to distract the American public from all the problems at home. If his numbers go down enough to put his re-election chances in doubt, who knows. That will be Karl Rove's call.
I sometimes wonder where things would be if it weren't for Osama bin Laden, who, by the way, is still in operation.
WINSTON SWAN
Hubbard