May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a dedicated time to shed light on this serious medical condition. Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting millions each year. According to the American Stroke Association, nearly 800,000 strokes occur in the United States annually. That’s one stroke every 40 seconds!
The good news? Recognizing the early signs of strokes can greatly enhance treatment results and prevent many cases. Therefore, during Stroke Awareness Month, we should educate ourselves and our loved ones with knowledge.
Understanding Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or a leaking or burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells deprived of oxygen and nutrients begin to die, leading to a range of potential problems depending on the location and severity of the stroke.
Recognizing the Signs
Time is critical when facing a stroke. The faster treatment begins, the greater the chance of minimizing long-term damage. Here’s the acronym F.A.S.T., a helpful tool to remember the most common stroke symptoms:
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face seem uneven?
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
T – Time to Call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Every minute counts!
Taking Action for Stroke Prevention
While some stroke risk factors, such as age and family history, are irreversible, many others can be controlled through healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of stroke:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for stroke.
- Manage Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major contributor for stroke.
- Control cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can increase plaque buildup in arteries, leading to stroke.
- Eat Healthy: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercising regularly can improve heart health and reduce the risk of stroke.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure and the risk of stroke.
- Do Not Smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke.
We Are Here For You
If you live in Southwest Oklahoma and experience stroke symptoms, know that Comanche County Memorial Hospital is here to help. Our facility is a designated Primary Stroke Center, equipped with advanced technology and a team of specialists trained to provide timely and effective stroke care. Visit our Stroke Center page to learn more: https://www.ccmhhealth.com/stroke-care/
By understanding the signs of stroke, taking the steps to prevent it, and spreading awareness, we can all make a difference.
Resources:
American Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org/en/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm
Disclaimer:
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.