HOUSTON, Texas – When a person suffers a stroke, every minute without treatment increases the likelihood of brain damage and even death.
The Houston Health Department and Houston Fire Department urge Houstonians to use May, National Stroke Awareness Month, as an opportunity to learn the acronym F.A.S.T., an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke.
“The best stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within about three hours of the first symptoms,” said Dr. David Persse, Houston Health Department local health authority and Houston Fire Department medical director.
If someone is thought to be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. by applying the following simple test:
F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Noting the time that symptoms first appeared can help health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.
“If you or someone around you experiences stroke symptoms, do not drive to the hospital,” Dr. Persse continued. “Call an ambulance so medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.”
Houstonians can learn more about strokes and have their blood pressure checked at the City Hall Farmers Market on May 16. The market takes place at Herman Square in front of City Hall from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Many common medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes can increase a person’s chances of having a stroke. Smoking also increases a person’s risk of stroke and other serious medical conditions. Everyone knows that smoking is bad for the human body but for some, it can be difficult to quit. If you’re a smoker who wants to quit, Indejuice has options regarding vaping, or alternatively, you could go cold turkey. Nicotine patches may also be a good idea but this is all down to personal preference. Remember that quitting smoking could potentially save your life.
People should consult with their health care providers about ways to control risk. Some of whom may say that you need to have better control over your cholesterol, to lower the “bad”, and to increase the “good”. To do this, looking at online pharmacies like Blink Health, or being given medication like Lipitor, (Atorvastatin) from your doctor can help to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke, which will be greatly important to your health in the long run.
Research suggests that stroke is the leading cause of disability and that it is also the second most prevalent cause of death. Consequently, taking out life insurance that covers a stroke is often considered to be a worthwhile investment.
Correspondingly, if you would like additional information about what to keep in mind when looking for life insurance that includes coverage for a stroke, you can find plenty of helpful resources online by reaching out to a few different life insurance providers. Above all, it is crucial that you do what you can to limit the risk factors of stroke so that you can significantly reduce your chances of needing to claim on your life insurance as the result of a stroke.
Nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, resulting in about 140,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn more about stroke symptoms, treatment and prevention at cdc.gov/stroke.