Paris Community Hospital, a Nationally Accredited Stroke-Ready Hospital

Though four out of five strokes are preventable, a stroke will affect someone in the United States every 40 seconds. Do you know your risk for stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery, or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting the flow of blood to an area of the brain. The effects of a stroke on the victim depend on the area of the brain affected and the amount of damage sustained. A slight stroke may leave the patient with weakness of the limbs. A larger stroke can bring paralysis and the loss of one’s ability to speak among other disabilities. According to theNational Stroke Association, some people recover completely from a stroke, while two-thirds of stroke survivors live with some sort of disability. Stroke symptoms are often sudden and can include:

• Numbness or weakness, especially affecting one side of the body.
• Trouble speaking or understanding; confusion
• Trouble walking, including dizziness and loss of balance
• Severe headache without cause

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke. You can use the F.A.S.T. test to determine the indicators of a stroke:

F= Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A= Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S= Speech: As the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T= Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately! Strokes are an emergency where every minute counts, so get to a hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Strokes can happen to anyone; age and gender are not deterrents. There are ways to reduce the risk of strokes

• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Control diabetes
• Manage your diet
• Don’t smoke
• Moderate your alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly

Stroke recovery is a continuing journey that includes rehabilitation for the restoration of independence by improving the patient’s physical, mental and emotional capabilities. The re-occurrence of a stroke is preventable with lifestyle changes and medicines to fight the risks. Paris Community Hospital is committed to protecting you and your loved ones from the effects of stroke and other diseases and illnesses. Mark your calendar to attend our next We Care 4U health screenings, which include assessing your risk for stroke. The screenings will be held on August 16, 2014. Together we can fight stroke in our community and in your family.

PCH is accredited by the American Heart Association as a Nationally Accredited Stroke-Ready Hospital.