Dr. Joselito Burgos, internal medicine physician and chief of medical staff for Riverwood Healthcare Center, was interviewed on KKIN Radio about stroke awareness on May 24. Here are key points that he shared.
A stroke is an emergency. You need to act F.A.S.T.
Facial drooping? Arm weakness? Slurred speech? Time to call 9-1-1.
Strokes are caused by an interruption of blood flow, involving the arteries of the brain. This interruption of blood flow to the brain may result in a neurologic functional deficit or death.
Getting quick medical care is absolutely vital to prevent permanent physical disability. There is a 4½ hour window after a stroke where clot-busting drugs can work to lessen the chance of being permanently disabled after a stroke.
The Minnesota Department of Health has designated Riverwood as an Acute Stroke-Ready hospital. This means the hospital’s medical and nursing staff has advanced training and is ready to deliver high-quality stroke care.
Tips for stroke prevention
- Get regular checkups so you can find out when you have health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol and get them treated.
- Learn your health numbers for your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight or body mass index–and how they compare to what’s normal, what’s best to maintain good health.
- Manage your weight by eating healthy, nutritious food. That often means skipping fast food and decreasing the size of your portions. Three-quarters of your plate should be fruits, vegetables and whole grains with protein or meat as the smallest part.
- Don’t smoke or get help to quit. Ask your healthcare provider about tobacco cessation resources.
- Keep moving! Find ways to build physical activity into your day. Park further away. Take the stairs. Walk instead of drive to the mailbox
