May is Stroke Awareness Month

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the nation’s third leading cause of death. A stroke occurs when part of the brain starts to die because a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.

Because time is of the essence if you are having a stroke, it’s important to know the warning signs and be taken to a facility that can help you as quickly as possible. Howard County General Hospital is a designated Primary Stroke Center, meaning its Emergency Department has standardized protocols and procedures to rapidly identify and treat patients who are experiencing stroke symptoms.

Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. The National Stroke Association provides these important stroke prevention guidelines:

• Know your blood pressure.
• Find out if you have Atrial Fibrillation (a sometimes undetected irregular heartbeat).
• If you smoke, STOP!
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Find out if you have high cholesterol.
• Find out if you are diabetic and control your blood sugar.
• Eat a lower salt, lower fat diet.
• Get regular exercise.
• Know the signs and symptoms of stroke: