It's never too early to start healthy lifestyle habits that can lessen
or eliminate the chance of a serious disease or illness, such as stroke.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising, stopping tobacco use/smoking, and keeping
an eye on blood pressure are always a good idea in the quest for a healthier,
better you. Especially since stroke is the fifth leading cause of death
in the United States and serious, long-term adult disability.
A stroke can happen at any time, regardless of age, race or gender, so
recognizing the signs and symptoms can save lives and limit the chance
of long-term damage and disabilities.
Use the
"BE FAST" Test to Recognize a Stroke B - Balance - Sudden loss of balance
E - Eye - Sudden vision change
F – Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A - Arm - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift?
S - Speech - Ask the person to repeat a single sentence. Is the speech slurred?
T - Time - Call 9-1-1 if you see these signs. Time is critical for the brain.
Follow the
Golden Hour rule and act fast to save a life! If someone is experiencing symptoms
of a heart attack or stroke, CALL 9-1-1 and get to a hospital within one
hour. Acting quickly – within the first
Golden Hour after symptoms begin – greatly reduces the risk of damage to the
heart or brain and greatly improves the chance of recovery.
What is a Stroke
Stroke affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs
when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is
either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain
cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and brain cells die.
Strokes can be ischemic (a blockage of the artery) or hemorrhagic (when
the artery bursts or a bleed). Sometimes a TIA (transient ischemic attack)
occurs, this is also known as a mini-stroke that produces stroke-like
symptoms. If you are having any symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
The sooner a stroke patient gets to the hospital, the sooner they will
get the lifesaving treatment they need. Stroke survivors have the best
outcomes when they receive treatment in 4.5 hours or less.
Click here to learn more about what strokes are and how to prevent/treat them.
How To Recognize a Stroke
A stroke is an emergency, know the signs and symptoms so you can
BE FAST and get medical attention.
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 in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Know Your Stroke Risk Factors to Protect Yourself
If you have a risk factor, it doesn't mean you will have a stroke. But
your risk grows if you develop further factors or the severity of them
increases. So, take control of your life by learning about the risk factors
and talking with your doctor.
While some risk factors, such as age and family history, are out of our
control, we can take charge of others through healthy lifestyle changes.
To help prevent stroke:
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol
Exercise regularly
Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Eat a healthy diet
Treat atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Quit smoking
Treat diabetes
Risk factors include:
Age
Gender
Race
Family history of stroke
Stroke survivors and loved ones welcome are welcome to join us for education,
resources, and support through our Stroke Support Group.
Click here for details.
Other Stroke Resources
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have
released a new Heart and Stroke Helper App for patients and their caregivers
to assist them in health monitoring and healthy habits. This is a free
app for patients to track their health on their own.
Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals have been designated as Primary
Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission and recognized by the Pennsylvania
Department of Health for exceeding national standards for quality patient
care. To earn accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center, the hospitals
have demonstrated proficiency in the prevention and early management of
stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) symptoms based on guidelines
established by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
for health care professionals.
Butler Memorial Hospital has been designated as Primary Stroke Center by
ACHC, Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. Health for exceeding
national standards for quality patient care. To earn accreditation as
a Primary Stroke Center, the hospital has demonstrated proficiency in
the prevention and early management of stroke
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