This post was sponsored by Omron. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Did you know that May is Stroke Awareness Month? Are you doing anything in your daily routine to manage your risk factors for strokes? Do you know the signs of a stroke? Would you know what to do if someone you work with or a family member was having a stroke?

It’s May, so let’s take some time out of our busy schedules to ask these questions and learn the answers!

First of all, knowing your numbers can always be helpful, and that is why Omron Healthcare makes it so easy for you to monitor your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home with your EVOLV blood pressure monitor. Tracking your numbers in the app on your mobile device can help you monitor your health so you know if you need to make changes or see your doctor if the numbers are trending high or low versus your norm.

By doing your part, remember you are supporting Omron’s mission of Going for Zero, which is the elimination of heart attack and stroke. This is why they are educating the public about the importance of prevention by regular monitoring of one’s blood pressure.

What are you doing in your daily routine to protect yourself against strokes? Below is an infographic that shows you what you can do daily to protect yourself.

I may not go out and exercise daily, but I try and get as many steps in as possible with the walking that I do at work.  I also check my blood pressure regularly with my EVOLV blood pressure monitor.  I haven’t measured lately, but I hope my body composition is healthy according to this infographic!! (Note to self: buy a measuring tape.) I am constantly managing my diabetes, as I pointed out in my last blog post, and that has been going well! I must admit that I am excited to practice #6…but only in moderation, as it says.  lol. You do have to be careful about alcoholic beverages, especially when taking medications.  My cardiologist has limited me to two drinks per day, but since becoming a diabetic, I don’t have much craving for alcohol so I rarely drink – maybe an occasional glass of red wine at social functions or with dinner on the weekends.

Do you know the signs of a stroke and what to do if someone around you is having one? Four very important letters to know are F.A.S.T.!  Below is an infographic that explains these letters and how to react if someone around you is showing signs of a stroke.

It seems so easy to learn these letters, but I have to admit with as much volunteering that I’ve done since my heart attack for local associations, I’ve seen F.A.S.T. time and time again, and I still have to read the descriptions and reminders.  This month, I am making it a point to memorize and learn this acronym as well as I know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack!

What additional steps are you taking this month to become more aware of stroke and stroke prevention during Stroke Awareness Month?