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Stroke Awareness: How to Recognize and Prevent Them

May is Stroke Awareness Month. So we’re here to help our community learn the signs of a stroke and fill them in how on preventive care can play a major role in decreasing your risk of stroke.

According to Medicare.gov, more than 800,000 strokes happen each year in the United States. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and are a major cause of serious disability for adults.

So, what exactly is a stroke? A stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain, and it can affect a person’s speech, movement, memory and more.

Know the signs of a stroke

Strokes strike fast — you can too! Here are some warning signs. And remember — strokes can happen suddenly, so get help quickly.

  • Sudden trouble seeing
  • Sudden trouble walking
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness in the face, arm or leg
  • Sudden and severe headache

If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately and report the time when the first symptoms appeared.

Strokes can occur at any age, but nearly 75% of all strokes happen to people over 65.

What are the contributing factors?

Certain factors tend to increase your risk of having a stroke. These include:

  • Excessive drinking
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Poor diet

The good news is that, according to Medicare.gov, nearly 80% of strokes may be preventable. You can help offset your chances of getting a stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. That means diet and exercise, and preventive care like cardiovascular disease screenings.

Stroke prevention at Dopson Family Medical Center

That’s where we come in! Dr. Suresh Patel leads our comprehensive cardiac diagnostics facility. It’s equipped with the latest technologies available in Northeast Florida for early detection of heart disease.

Preventive cardiac care, along with a healthy lifestyle, is the best way to stop strokes before they even occur. For National Stroke Awareness month, take the time to learn the signs or stroke, and schedule your next heart health screening with Dr. Patel!

Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (904) 259-7815.

If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately and report the time when the first symptoms appeared.