Have you heard the phrase, “Time is brain?” It was coined by a neurologist named Camilo Gomez, M.D., in the early 1990s, and the words punctuate how critically important it is to get help immediately in the case of a stroke. Otherwise, you could risk further damage to the brain. Hence, time is brain.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the United States, and also a leading contributor to disability. With the proper education, you can work to change that, and there’s no better time than now. This month is Stroke Awareness Month, and it’s the ideal opportunity to educate yourself and others on what a stroke is, what the warning signs look like, and steps to take to prevent stroke. We designed the brief guide below to help you get started.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and brain cells die. That can happen when a blood vessel that is carrying oxygen to the brain either bursts (known as a hemorrhagic stroke) or is blocked (known as an ischemic stroke). A third kind of stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is known as a mini-stroke and usually only lasts for a few minutes.

What are the signs of a stroke?

There’s an acronym to remember that can help you gauge whether you or someone else is having a stroke. It’s F.A.S.T., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this break-down:

F = Face:  Does one side droop? Ask them to smile.

A = Arms: Does one arm feel numb? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?

S = Speech: Is speech slurred or garbled? Ask them to repeat a phrase.

T = Time: Every second counts (time is brain!). Be sure and note the time that the symptoms start. And if you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

How can you prevent stroke?

There are some risk factors you can’t control, and it’s important to know what traits put you more at risk. Some of those include age, gender (men are more likely to suffer stroke but women are more likely to die from it), ethnicity (it’s more common among Black and Hispanic people) and family history, according to Cleveland Clinic.

But there are also many lifestyle choices you can control. According to Cleveland Clinic, up to 50 percent of strokes can be prevented by modifying those risks, by doing the following:

• If you have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, see your doctor regularly and follow your treatment plan to keep them under control.
• Quit smoking.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (that means one drink or less per day for women, two or less for men).
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight for your body type.
• Don’t use illegal drugs.

In a matter of minutes, a stroke can change your life. The lasting effects of stroke can impact the way you move, the way you talk, the way you see and your ability to take care of yourself. In order to take preventive steps, talk to your doctor about your risk factors for stroke. You may be able to make small modifications in your day-to-day life that could benefit you for decades to come.

And remember, if you see someone else who could be experiencing a stroke, “Time is brain.” Act quickly, and you could make an enormous impact; you could even save a life.