DOH-SEMINOLE URGES PUBLIC TO ‘BE FAST’ WITH STOPPING STROKES

Contact:
Mirna Chamorro
Mirna.chamorro@flhealth.gov
407-665-3374

Sanford, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) recognizes May as Stroke Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the importance of knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of stroke. Nationally as well as for Florida, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of serious disability for adults. Although stroke risk increases with age, a stroke can happen at any age.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain and occurs when the blood supply is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.

“Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke early is important. Having a stroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Taking action to lower your risk of having a stroke and talking to your healthcare provider is essential in preventing a stroke,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

The most important part of getting timely treatment for a stroke is to know and understand the warning signs as described by the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym.

B - Balance

Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?

E - Eyes

Is the person experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain?

F - Face

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

A - Arms

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - Speech

Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T - Time

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Take Action to Lower Risk of Having a Stroke

The most effective way to lower the risk of having a stroke is to prevent one from happening in the first place. Risk factors for stroke that can be changed, treated, or medically managed include:

• High Blood Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the brain. Make sure to get medical treatment if it is high.
• People with unmanaged diabetes are at greater risk for a stroke than someone without diabetes. To prevent stroke, people with diabetes should control blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
• You can reduce your risk of having a stroke by stopping smoking. Smoking can damage blood vessels as well as the heart and lead to other health diseases that can impact stroke risk.
• Unhealthy Diet. A healthy diet is one of the best tools for fighting stroke. Incorporating more fruits and veggies into your diet and decreasing your salt intake to less than 1,500 mg a day is a great start to healthier eating.
• High Blood High cholesterol levels can contribute to thickening or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by a buildup of plaque. By controlling their cholesterol,a person is giving their arteries the best chance to remain clear of blockages.
• Lack of Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day, five days a week. But even 10 minutes of exercise a day offers health benefits.
• Excessive alcohol More than 2 drinks per day may raise a person’s blood pressure. Binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Excess Obesity increases your risk for stroke. Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton.

For more information you may call the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Program at 407-665-3032.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.