“Physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking can all
increase your risk for stroke,” said Mona Carbone, RN, Nurse Manger of
Emergency Services at Jones Memorial Hospital. “By looking at your own stroke
risk factors and making adjustments, you may reduce your risk of stroke.”
In addition to reducing your risk for stroke, knowing the
signs and symptoms of a stroke are equally important. Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a
stroke. In May alone, some 65,000 Americans will experience a stroke with many
unaware that they were even at risk. Less than a third will arrive in the
emergency room within three hours, the optimal time period for better outcomes.
“Learning how to recognize a stroke is just as important as
reducing your risk factors,” says Ms. Carbone. “Recognizing stroke symptoms leads
to receiving medical attention faster and when it comes to stroke, time is
brain. The quicker you get to the emergency room if you suspect a stroke, the
better the outcome.”
The acronym FAST is an easy way to identify the most common
symptoms of a stroke: F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the
face droop? A - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift
downward? S - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their
speech slurred? T - Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1
immediately.
The need for public awareness surrounding stroke prevention
and awareness has never been greater.
Despite being a leading cause of adult long-term disability, and the
fifth leading cause of death, less than one in five Americans can correctly
classify all five stroke symptoms.
To arrange a Stroke awareness program for your group or EMS
agency please contact Mona Carbone at 585-596-4114.
