GREEN BAY — Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke. This life-altering condition is extremely common but can be prevented. Emplify Health by Bellin is encouraging all community members to educate themselves on knowing the signs and risks of a stroke to save lives.
A stroke occurs when there is sudden loss of blood flow to part of the brain, which can damage brain cells and cause lasting disability. Blood flow can be interrupted by either a broken or blocked blood vessel.
“Strokes caused by a blocked blood vessel, such as a clot, accounts for approximately 85% of all strokes,” said Taylor Setzer, Emplify Health by Bellin Stroke Coordinator. “A stroke can easily lead to brain damage, paralysis and even loss of life. That’s why it is vital that we all remember to BE FAST when looking for signs of a stroke.”
The longer that your brain goes without oxygen, the more damage can occur. Using the acronym BE FAST can help identify whether someone is having a stroke to ensure help and treatment are provided quickly.
B (Balance): sudden loss of balance or coordination
E (Eyes Blur): sudden trouble seeing or sudden blurring of vision in one or both eyes.
F (Face Drooping): one side of the face droops or is numb. Check this by asking the person to smile.
A (Arm Weakness): sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Have the person raise both arms and see if one arm drifts downward.
S (Speech Difficulty): sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to see if they are slurring words, difficult to understand or unable to speak.
T (Terrible Headache AND Time to call 9-1-1): if the person shows ANY of the above symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately – even if they person doesn’t show all symptoms or if the symptoms go away. Take note of the time the symptoms started as it will help the care team with treatment.
Knowing the symptoms is vital in saving a life in the moment of a stroke; however, identifying and reducing your risks is just as important.
“Individuals who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or who smoke are at higher risk for a stroke,” added Setzer. “Your primary care provider can help you begin looking into your specific risks and help you make any lifestyle or diet changes.”
With proper prevention and the great amounts of treatment available, the frequency and severity of strokes can be reduced.
“We do not want anyone to feel alone on their journey,” stated Debra Sanchez, Stroke Support Coordinator. Education and support are available for stroke survivors, their loved ones and caregivers. Emplify Health by Bellin welcomes stroke, survivors, care partners and loved ones to their monthly Stroke Support Group and annual events to heal both mind and body. To learn more about the group or to join an upcoming session, please contact Debra Sanchez at (920) 433-7977.