Each year in the United States, almost 800,000 people suffer from a stroke which is the leading cause of serious long-term disabilities. May is National Stroke Awareness month to educate people on the signs of a stroke and what actions to take.
The brain requires oxygen to function properly; the arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain. When the blood flow is blocked, the brain cells will start to die within minutes without oxygen, which causes a stroke. This can happen in two ways:
Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke and it occurs when blood clots of other particles block blood vessels to the brain. Fatty deposits (plaque) can also cause a blockage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing too much pressure on the brain cells and damages them. Leaks or ruptures can be caused by high blood pressure or aneurysms.
Anyone can have a stroke at any age but the chance increases with certain risk factors. Many of the following risk factors can be changed with a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chance of stroke.
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptives
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Age
- Race
- Genetics
Symptoms vary depending on what area of the brain the stroke has affected and may happen suddenly. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Aphasia
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Sudden and severe headache
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the face or body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
Once a stroke has occurred, there is no cure. There are medical and surgical treatments available that can help reduce the risk for another stroke and are most effective if started right after a stroke. It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as symptoms appear as every minute after a stroke counts. If you notice signs of a stroke, you need to BE FAST:
B – Balance: Ask the person to stand and look for difficulty staying on both feet
E – Eyes: Ask the person if they see double or if vision is blurry
F – Face: Ask the person to smile and look for drooping on one or both sides
A – Arm: Ask the person to raise their arm and look for drooping
S – Speech: Ask the person to speak and listen for slurred words or difficulty with words
T – Time: Call 911 immediately and indicate what time the symptoms started
As a Local 663 member, you have access to TEAM, an employee assistance provider, at no cost to you. (800) 634-7710 | www.startwithteam.com
To ensure you receive all pertinent information, please update your address with the Fund Office, Wilson-McShane Corporation, when you move. To update your information, you may access the Change of Personal Information Form from the website www.663benefits.com. You may also call (952) 851-5797 or toll-free (844) 468-5917 to request a Change of Information Form.
Notice of Membership Meeting
An annual meeting of the Minneapolis Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Properties, Inc. shall be held on May 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at its corporate headquarters located at 6160 Summit Drive North, Suite 600, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect directors to hold office until the next annual meeting and to conduct such other business as may be brought before the membership at such meeting.