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Houston Methodist urges community to “BE FAST” when stroke warning signs strike
Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke. May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Houston Methodist encourages the community to learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke – it could save a life.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
Every second counts when it comes to stroke and knowing what to do can save lives. Houston Methodist says to remember the BE FAST acronym to remember the signs of a stroke in you or others:
▪ Balance – Watch for sudden loss of balance or coordination.
▪ Eyes – Check for sudden vision changes or trouble seeing.
▪ Face – Look for facial drooping or an uneven smile.
▪ Arms – Watch for arm weakness or difficulty raising one arm.
▪ Speech – Listen for slurred or strange speech.
▪ Time – Time is critical; call 911 right away if you experience these symptoms.
“For every minute a stroke goes untreated, nearly two million brain cells are lost,” said Dr. James Ling, medical director of the Stroke and Neurohospitalist Program at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. “That’s why rapid treatment, ideally within the first hour, can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.”
Stroke can be caused by a wide variety of factors — including age, gender, race and health history. But many cases of stroke can be prevented by making lifestyle changes and managing existing medical conditions, including:
▪ Not smoking.
▪ Controlling blood pressure.
▪ Staying physically active.
▪ Maintaining a healthy weight.
▪ Eating a balanced diet, including cutting down on fat and sugar.
▪ Controlling your blood sugar if you are diabetic.
▪ Lowering your cholesterol levels.
▪ Keeping a regular sleep schedule.
▪ Avoiding alcohol.
“Stroke is not just a disease of the elderly — nearly four in ten stroke patients are under age 65,” Ling said. “High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity are driving strokes in younger adults, making prevention more important than ever.”
If you or someone you know may be at risk of a stroke, talk to your doctor about your health and ask what you can do to minimize your risk. Schedule an appointment with a Houston Methodist physician online or at 713.790.3333.
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Source: Houston Methodist
