Stroke Awareness Month
May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn the signs of a stroke, understand the risks, and take proactive steps to protect your health.
A stroke can affect anyone, at any age, at any time. Every 40 second, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover.
The Oroville Hospital Stroke Team is committed to stroke prevention, education, and treatment. This team approach to stroke care was created to provide the quality treatment and care necessary for stroke patients to minimize the effects of a stroke and help them return to a healthy, happy life.
The Stroke Program encompasses a strong multidisciplinary team that looks at stroke symptoms at every angle and provides continual care from the hospital stay to home. These practices foster better outcomes through properly and efficiently caring for patients.
What many people don’t realize is that 80% of strokes are preventable, and with rapid treatment, death can be prevented and brain damage minimized. The Oroville Hospital Stroke Team is dedicated to diagnosing stroke and administering treatment quickly.
The board certified team adheres to the protocols from the American Stroke Association to increase its success rate in stroke treatment. The program has been recognized for consecutive years by the American Stroke Association, receiving multiple awards that demonstrate their commit to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, the team also provides education for patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
By increasing awareness, the hospital helps the public determine when someone is having a stroke so they can take action quickly. A stroke can happen on your street, at your workplace, or in a store where you shop — anywhere. Knowing how to recognize the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life and help prevent long‑term disability.
B = Balance Loss Sudden loss of balance or coordination, of if the person is having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness.
E = Eye (Vision) Changes Sudden changes in vision, if the person is experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
F = Face Dropping Is one side of the face drooping?
A = Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? When arms are raised, does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T = Time to Call 911 If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!
Nearly 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke. Having a stroke puts you at a higher risk for a second one. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, starting with identifying what caused your stroke and learning your personal risk factors. Managing blood pressure, eating well and staying active, can help decrease your risk — talk to your doctor about managing these factors to help prevent another stroke.
For more information about the Oroville Hospital Stroke Team, call 530-538-3070.
For information about our Stroke Support Group that meets monthly, call 530-712-2196.