Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Jodi Stevens. Jana Butler introduced Peggy Richter, APRN with South Florida Baptist Hospital, discussing Stroke Prevention.
South Florida Baptist Hospital is certified by The Joint Commission (an independent health/safety monitoring organization) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center – the highest level of stroke certification available. Comprehensive Stroke Center status means that Baptist Hospital has the resources, staff and training necessary to treat patients with the most complex strokes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The South Florida Baptist Hospital program also has received the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for meeting consistently high national standards of stroke care.
SFBH’s Stroke Program treats more stroke patients than any other facility in South Florida. When a stroke occurs, seconds count because time lost is brain lost. The Comprehensive Stroke Center protocol helps patients before they reach the Emergency Center. Paramedics assess patients and notify the Stroke Team while en route. Upon arrival, one of the specialized stroke nurse responders quickly evaluates the patient and coordinates diagnosis with stroke specialists to expedite treatment. When it comes to spotting stroke and getting help, the faster, the better. That's because prompt treatment may make the difference between life and death — or the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability.
Symptoms of Stroke include; sudden weakness or numbness of arms, legs or face, especially on one side of the body, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and sudden severe headache with no known cause. To help prevent a stroke you must understand the risk factors that lead to a stroke. Some risk factors are beyond your control and cannot be changed. Other risk factors can be changed by medical treatment or controlled with lifestyle changes. Risk factors that can be controlled include; High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, high cholesterol, sickle cell disease, obesity, sleep apnea, drug abuse or excessive alcohol intake. Risk factors that cannot be changed include; Age greater than 55, Gender (male), Race (African American), family history and prior stroke. Strokes are 80% preventable with High Blood pressure being the major contributor. Knowing the symptoms and the risk factors associated with stroke can help save your life. To learn more go to: www.strokeassociation.org/letstalkaboutstroke
-- submitted by Mike Arndt
