May is Stroke Awareness Month

 

UHS Wilson Medical Center has been designated by the New York State Department of Health as a regional stroke center. With the area’s largest team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists; a specially staffed neurosurgery operating room; and complete inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, the stroke team at UHS Wilson Medical Center is prepared with the latest methods to minimize the effects of stroke. For more information go to www.uhs.net.

 

A stroke — also called a “cerebrovascular accident” or “brain attack” — is a sudden interruption of blood flow in the brain.

 

Signs of stroke  

 

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or double vision
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lessened coordination
• Sudden severe headache
• Drowsiness, nausea or vomiting

Risk factors for stroke  

 

• Previous stroke or TIA (increases stroke risk 10 times)
• History of heart disease or high blood pressure, especially if you’ve had a heart attack or atrial fibrillation (increases stroke risk 4 to 6 times)
• Smoking (increases stroke risk 2 times)
• Diabetes, especially if you have other risk factors too
• Excess weight
• High cholesterol

Lower your risk factors for stroke

 

• Diet: Low in saturated fats and salt and high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and low-fat, lean meats like fish or skinless white meat poultry.
   
• Exercise: While 30 minutes of daily exercise should be your goal, any exercise will help. Monitor and manage your blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels. See your doctor regularly if you are at high risk of stroke.   

If you or someone has these signs:    

1. Act quickly! This is a medical emergency.
2. Call 911 or get to the nearest hospital even if the symptoms go away.
3. Note the time the symptoms began.  

F.A.S.T.

 

Face — Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to smile.

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

Speech — Is speech slurred? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time — If the person shows any of these symptoms, Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately.

 

For more information visit www.uhs.net.