What Can I Do to Try to Prevent a Stroke?

Didi you know? Every 40 seconds, someone living in the United States experiences a stroke. With May being recognized as American Stroke Awareness Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Smyrna wants you to be aware that when it comes to a stroke—minutes matter.

Therefore, we want to share with you the symptoms of a stroke, as well as steps you can take to reduce your risk of a stroke.

Am I at Risk for a Stroke?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 140,000 Americans pass away from a stroke each year. While a stroke can happen to anyone, there are certain factors that can put a person at an increased risk for experiencing a stroke.

For instance, having high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease can put a person at an increased risk of having a stroke. In addition, smoking can raise the stroke risk. Therefore, if you are a current smoker, you want to consider doing what you can to stop smoking sooner rather than later.

Symptoms of a Stroke

  • Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Confusion or trouble understanding other people
  • Problems walking or staying balanced or coordinated
  • Dizziness
  • Severe headache that comes on for no reason
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Trouble seeing with one or both eyes

What Is the F.A.S.T. Test?

If you see someone experiencing the aforementioned symptoms of a stroke, you want to perform the F.A.S.T. test to see if he or she might be having a stroke.

When you do the F.A.S.T. test, you are checking the person’s face, arms and speech. Is one side of his or her face drooping? When he or she raises both arms, does one arm drop down? What is his or her speech like—is it slurred? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, then it is time to act fast and call for medical assistance.

Ways to Prevent a Stroke

  • Lower your blood pressure, if needed.
  • Lose weight, if needed.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation.
  • Take steps to manage conditions such as diabetes or atrial fibrillation.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Find healthy ways to manage stress.

If you or someone around you experience stroke symptoms, call 911 for immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing non-emergency medical symptoms, schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Smyrna today.