OKEECHOBEE -- Kathy Selby from HCA Raulerson Hospital brought light to Stroke Awareness at the May 9 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission. Commission Chairman David Hazellief presented her with a proclamation to declare the month of May as Stroke Awareness Month in Okeechobee County.

Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability, putting a tremendous financial burden on individuals, families, as well as society.

One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime; and the stroke warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understandings; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headaches with no known cause; and

National Stroke Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness about the warning signs of stroke, symptoms of a stroke, stroke prevention, and the impact of stroke on survivors, families, and caregivers.