[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Health Department Urges Citizens to Be "Stroke Smart"

[Press Releases]

The following press release is available online at
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health/healthdepartmentnewsandpressreleases.php

____________________

For Immediate Release
May 21, 2009

Contact: Chris Coffman, Public Health Nursing Supervisor
573.874.7453 or jccoffma at GoColumbiaMo.com 
Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.874.7632 or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Health Department Urges Citizens to Become “Stroke Smart”
May is American Stroke Month

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human
Services, in honor of American Stroke Month, is urging residents to
learn the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, Missouri’s third
leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. According to the
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 3,226 Missourians
died from stroke in 2007.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke are more important than ever before
as newer treatments for stroke must be started quickly to be effective.
Receiving treatment as soon as possible greatly reduces the risk of
permanent damage or death from stroke. 

Health experts recommend using the FAST method for recognizing and
responding to stroke:

●	F - Face numbness or weakness, especially on one side
●	A - Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the
body
●	S - Speech slurred or difficulty speaking or understanding
●	T - Time to call 911, especially if there is a sudden loss of
vision, loss of balance with dizziness or a sudden severe headache

Any of these symptoms may indicate stroke, but only a qualified
health-care provider can diagnose stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When that
occurs, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop
receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. The impact of
a stroke can range from mild to severe and can affect a person’s
speech, movement and memory.

“Clot buster” drug therapy dissolves clots blocking normal blood
flow in vessels. The drug therapy, also called lytic therapy, is used to
treat ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke. An estimated 87
percent of all strokes are ischemic, according to the American Heart
Association. 

Time is critical for optimal stroke treatment, so the most important
thing to do when you suspect someone of having a stroke is call 911. The
sooner the patient receives medical attention, the sooner drug therapy
can begin. 

A number of factors can put a person at greater risk for stroke. Risk
factors include:
●	High blood pressure
●	High cholesterol
●	Diabetes
●	Poor nutrition
●	Physical inactivity
●	Smoking
●	Obesity
 
The following recommendations can help reduce the risk of stroke:
●	See a health-care provider regularly to keep blood pressure,
cholesterol and diabetes under control.
●	Take medications as prescribed.
●	Don’t smoke.
●	Be physically active for 30 minutes or more on most days of the
week.
●	Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables,
to maintain a healthy weight.

For more information about stroke and living a healthy lifestyle,
contact the health department at 573.874.7355 or visit
www.dhss.mo.gov/Stroke/ 

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Genalee Alexander
Regional Public Information Officer
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services
1005 West Worley
PO Box 6015
Columbia MO  65205-6015
573.874.7632
http://gocolumbiamo.com/Health/index.php


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