BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- May is recognized as Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability in the United States.

Strokes can affect anyone, regardless of age. According to the CDC, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, and every three minutes, someone dies from one.

Medical professionals, including those at Med Center Health, emphasize the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a stroke using the acronym BE FAST:

Sarah Widener with Med Center Health highlights that while there are multiple risk factors for stroke, high blood pressure is the most common. "It's important to get your blood pressure under control," she said. "If you don't know your numbers, get them checked."

Widener also encourages healthy lifestyle habits to help reduce the risk of stroke, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management through activities like yoga or journaling.

She stresses the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss lifestyle changes and determine whether medication may be necessary.