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MID COAST HOSPITAL URGES STROKE AWARENESS Public Education Emphasized During Stroke Awareness Month

 May is American Stroke Month. In order to help the community understand the risk factors and symptoms of stroke, a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States, Mid Coast Hospital is launching a community awareness initiative that highlights risk factors and signs of stroke.

Did You Know?

  *   Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

  *   Stroke is a leading cause of adult long-term disability.

  *   Up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

  *   Stroke is an emergency! It’s important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them. Time is an important factor in determining treatment options for stroke.

  *   Making simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your stroke risk.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain is either blocked or ruptures. When this occurs, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying millions of valuable nerve cells within minutes. Treatment options are available and recovery more likely if the patient gets medical attention immediately upon recognition of stroke symptoms.

John Taylor, DO, a Neurologist with Mid Coast Medical Group – Neurology and Medical Director of the Mid Coast Hospital stroke program cautioned, “We continue to see as many as 80% of our patients not getting to our hospital within the recommended amount of time. With the high incidence of stroke in our region, it is crucial that we work together to educate our community about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 9-1-1 to get immediate medical attention.

Dr. Taylor encourages community members to use F-A-S-T to remember the warning signs of stroke:

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

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

According to the American Stroke Association, preventable risk factors for stroke include being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, smoking, and having other health conditions such as diabetes, carotid artery disease, or high cholesterol. People can reduce their risks by quitting smoking, improving their diet, increasing physical activity, and regularly visiting a primary care doctor.

Mid Coast Hospital is one of only five certified Primary Stroke Centers in Maine recognized by the Joint Commission and The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The certification demonstrates the hospital’s ability to provide the most advanced level of care to stroke patients.

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