Recognizing the Signs of Stroke is Feature of Stroke Awareness Program by Hanover Hospital

The National Stroke Association and Hanover Hospital is committed to reducing the incidence and impact of stroke through educational programs. By educating people about stroke, we can save lives and preserve quality of life.

The public is invited to attend a Stroke Awareness Program on Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the Hanover Community Health and Education Center, at 400 York Street, Hanover. Guest speaker Janet Cutsail, RN, of Hanover Hospital's Cardiovascular Disease Management Department, will discuss stroke awareness, signs and symptoms, appropriate interventions and the treatment that may be required. The program is free. Educational information and handout materials will also be provided.

Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke. Yet, despite being the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in this country, fewer than
one in five Americans can recognize a symptom of stroke. In addition, some people still believe that this condition is simply "fate," not realizing that stroke is preventable and treatable.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and the National Stroke Association and Hanover Hospital urge people to take charge of their health by knowing the signs and symptoms of a
stroke, by asking their doctors about stroke prevention and by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. A good first step is to have your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke. Nearly 60 million Americans – 29 million women--have high blood pressure, and almost a third do not even know it. Blood pressure recommendation is less than 120/80.

While a stroke can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or race—women are uniquely impacted. Consider these facts:
- One in six women die of stroke, more common than breast cancer, which kills one in twenty-five women every year.
- More women than men die from stroke.
? One half of all African American women will die from stroke or heart disease.
- Women outnumber men as caregivers to stroke survivors.
- 4 out of 5 American families will be touched by stroke. MORE...

A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or a broken blood vessel. This kills brain cells in the immediate area, often causing physical and emotional disabilities including speech problems, memory loss and paralysis.

In addition to high blood pressure, there are several things that can contribute or increase a person's risk for stroke including high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and family history. Women have additional risk factors to consider such as pregnancy and using hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause, all of which can increase stroke risk.

Every year, more than 750,000 Americans experience a stroke, but with increased awareness, 80 percent of all strokes can be prevented. The typical symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

But the good news is that stroke is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems, provided you pay proper attention to lifestyle and medical risk factors. Treatment exists to help minimize the effects of an acute stroke, however, it must be given within a 3-hour window from the first symptom. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for people to recognize the symptoms of stroke and seek emergency treatment so, think F.A.S.T.    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. Does the speech sound slurred or strange? T = Time: If you observe any of these signs, then it is time to call 9-1-1.

For more information about stroke, or the upcoming Stroke Awareness Program, call Janet Cutsail, at (717) 633-3558, or 1-800-673-2426, ext. 3558. Or, email: cutsailj@hanoverhospital.org. You may also call 1-800-STROKES or visit www.stroke.org.