Flaming red streaks are showing up in people’s hair around Portland.

If you notice the bright, red highlights that may seem out of character for the people sporting them, perhaps you’ll stop and ask them about it.  And that’s exactly what they’re banking on.

“Streaks for Stroke” is in its first year.  It’s a collaboration with the Providence Stroke Center, the American Heart Association, area stylists, and stroke survivors.  The goal is to use the funky red streaks or temporary red hair extentions to raise awareness about the symptoms of strokes which affects someone in the U.S. every 45 seconds. 

"By taking the message out into the community, we're hoping to educate people who wouldn't otherwise learn about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke. The red streak is a visible symbol to raise awareness about stroke risks. Oregonians have the fifth highest stroke death rate in the entire country," said Dr. Ted Lowenkopf, medical director of the Providence Stroke Center.

Stroke symptoms include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes.

Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking.

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Olivia Norris, previously featured in a KGW special report after a doctor in Eugene misdiagnosed her stroke as a panic attack, got her streak Wednesday afternoon at the "Robert’s Of Portland" salon to kick-off the event.  She had her stroke in her early 20s and once doctors figured out what was wrong, she ended up in the care of Dr. Lowenkopf.

kgw.com

Stroke survivor Olivia Norris gets her red streaks from stylist Ruth Bacchuber. Olivia's stroke doctor Ted Lowenkopf from the Providence Stroke Center was on hand as well.

“It could happen to anyone.  I was healthy.  I didn't smoke.  I didn't drink.  I've been a vegetarian for almost all of my life," said Norris.

“You need to be aware of your body.  You are your own best advocate," she added.