A Stroke at 29? It's Possible – Health Officials Want You to Know the Signs

Shocked? County and medical officials joined forces Friday to raise awareness of stroke prevention and symptoms, ahead of Saturday's stroke prevention night at the San Diego Padres game.

In San Diego County, more than 1,000 people die from strokes each year, and stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the country, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.

"Stroke and stroke deaths can be prevented," HHSA Director Nick Macchione said. "There are three things people can do to prevent a stroke and other chronic diseases: exercise regularly, eat healthy and do not smoke."

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every four minutes, a stroke leads to someone's death. Recognizing the symptoms could save someone's life.

The initial signs of a stroke can be identified using the acronym F.A.S.T:

• F stands for the face, which could be droopy or numb on one side; 
• A for an arm and leg that is weak or numb; 
• S for slurred speech or difficulty speaking; and 
• T for time, which is critical to survival and the need to call 911 immediately, according to the HHSA.

The efforts came in advance of "Strike Out Stroke Night" at Petco Park on Saturday during the Padres' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where the home team, the San Diego County Stroke Consortium and the HHSA will continue to raise awareness about stroke and other chronic diseases.

"The county and its many public and private partners have been working to increase awareness of stroke," county Supervisor Ron Roberts said. "It is extremely important for people to heed the warning signs so we can save lives."