Page 14 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

All About Stroke
The Medical Emergency That Doesn’t Discriminate
By Mary Orr
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries lead-
ing to and within the brain. It occurs when a
blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients
to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures.
When that happens, part of the brain is deprived of
the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells
to die.
Affecting people of all ages, stroke is the fifth-
leading cause of death and a leading cause of
disability in the U.S. And while you cannot predict
if you will suffer a stroke, there are things you can
do to increase your odds of preventing one, such
as maintaining a healthy weight; eating fresh,
unprocessed food; committing to a regular exercise
schedule; limiting your intake of alcohol; and
stopping smoking. And if you’re on medication, it’s
vital to take it as prescribed.
If you do suffer a stroke, every minute counts.
In fact, brain cells begin to die after a few minutes
without oxygen. That’s why it is so important to
recognize the first signs of a stroke and act quickly.
The acronym BE FAST provides a helpful reminder:
B: balance issues
E: eye changes
F: facial drooping
A: arm weakness
S: speech difficulty
T: time to call 911
“Affecting people of all ages, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death
and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. And while you cannot predict if
you will suffer a stroke, there are things you can do to increase your odds of
preventing one.”
If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms,
quick action in calling for an ambulance is essential.
EMS crews pre-notify hospitals while en route with
stroke patient information and arrival time. This
allows for necessary teams to prepare to receive
the patient, provide the quickest evaluation,
and administer eligible acute treatments in the
emergency department. In the event of a stroke,
time is of the essence in determining the patient’s
most effective course of treatment.
For more information on Stroke and Neurology
services at Trinity Health Of New England, visit
trinityhealthofne.org/stroke. n
Mary Orr is Communications and Media specialist
for Trinity Health Of New England.
®2025
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