Prevent stroke by knowing your risks

Stroke is becoming more common in the United States, and recent statistics reveal that close to 3-percent of the population has had one. During Stroke Awareness Month, the experts at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta are doing everything they can to make sure the people of Texarkana and Northeast Texas are prepared.

But stroke is preventable and largely treatable. The American Stroke Associates says that almost 80-percent of strokes can be prevented – but you have to know how. CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta is a Level III Stroke Center and a community partner in stroke prevention and treatment.

For Tonya Price, these warning signs showed up sooner than she could have ever expected: at age 28. Price, who is from Linden, had just gotten off work and had been dealing with a monster headache.

“I was walking around the grocery store, and it felt like my foot was asleep,” said Price.

“At the same time, I was talking to friend on the phone – she asked me if I was feeling OK because she said I was slurring my words; I just thought I was tired.”

Once she arrived at home, her mother – who just happened to be there – could immediately tell that something was wrong.

“By that time, I was losing feeling in my right side,” remembered Price. “We went to the local clinic and then immediately on to CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta. I couldn’t even speak to the doctor, and they told me I was having a stroke.”

Price underwent a CAT scan and a telemedicine consultation with a neurologist in the Emergency Department, and then was given the clot-busting drug tPA.

“I am so incredibly thankful for the lifesaving treatment I received, but it really goes to show you that stroke risk is something that everyone should be aware of,” pleaded Price. “Don’t blow it off, and please know the signs. Don’t wait around – you only have a short window to get the help you need.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urges everyone to learn the warning signs of stroke and take action to reduce their risk. Living a healthy lifestyle, being physically active, eating more fruits and vegetables and foods low in sodium and salt, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can reduce the chances of having a stroke. Properly managing certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes also can lower the risk.

“It’s extremely important to know and recognize the acronym ‘B.E.F.A.S.T.’ when it comes to stroke education,” said Heather Biddy, BSN, RN, VA-BC, RN Program Manager – Trauma/Stroke/Chest Pain, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta. “Take a minute to memorize the acronym so you can act quickly – and acting quickly is what is most important. Time saves brain, and fast action saves thousands of lives and can prevent disability.”

How to BE FAST:

B. Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

E. Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?

F. Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

A. Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S. Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T. Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important during a stroke.

“Each year, nearly 1 million Americans suffer from a stroke,” said Biddy. “Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System offers patients a chance to learn more about their risks and what options for prevention they have in just a few short minutes through taking a free health risk assessment online at ChristusStMichael.org/StrokeRisk.”

Like other medical experts, Biddy strongly urges area residents to learn as much as possible about their current stroke health risks so they can better identify any medical or lifestyle factors that may lead to the development of a stroke. Armed with that knowledge, individuals can then take an active role to reduce their risks and work with their physicians to minimize the likelihood of stroke.

“Most importantly, if someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately,” said Biddy. “The more you know, the faster you can act, and the better the outcome will be for the patient – including saving a life.”