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.

“Time is brainpower – for every minute without treatment, nearly two million brain cells die, dramatically reducing the chance of a full recovery,” said Dr. Michael Nguyen, emergency medicine physician at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.

“Seeking emergency care immediately can be the difference between returning home with minimal deficits or facing lifelong disability, paralysis or even death.”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.

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 Houston Methodist online or at 713.790.3333.

Source: Houston Methodist

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