B.E.F.A.S.T When It Comes to Stroke
5/13/2022
POPLAR BLUFF, MO – May is Stroke Awareness Month. It’s a time for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) healthcare providers to talk with our community about stroke signs and symptoms, plus prevention.
Every year in the United States, more than 600,000 people have a new stroke, and 130,000 of those strokes are fatal. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 80% of strokes could be prevented by controlling the health conditions that raise your risk for stroke.
“Early recognition is crucial in managing the care of patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of a stroke. Never hesitate to call 911 for an ambulance,” said Seth Deck, PBRMC Emergency Department Manager. “When you arrive at the ER, you can expect things to be fast-paced with a whole care team providing optimal care for the best outcomes possible.”
Perhaps most importantly, the key to avoiding stroke-related death is to B.E. F.A.S.T. The “BE FAST” acronym is a helpful reminder to look for:
- Balance loss
- Eyesight blurred
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Slurred speech
- Time to call 9-1-1.
Other symptoms can include sudden and severe headache pain, confusion, numbness of arms or legs, and loss of vision. Treatment must be administered quickly to avoid irreversible damage, so if in any doubt at all – call 9-1-1.
To help educate, PBRMC will be hosting a Lunch & Learn on Monday, May 16, led by PBRMC Stroke Coordinator, Kim Shackleford, who will be presenting vital information on Stroke health.
“It's important to know what a stroke is, the signs and symptoms, and how to decrease your risk factors of having a stroke,” Shackleford said. “Strokes can happen to anyone at any time and are emergencies where seeking help quickly is critical. Every second counts.”
To learn more, visit pbrmc.com/stroke-care. To register for the Strike Out Stroke Lunch and Learn on May 16, visit pbrmc.com/classes-events.
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