Stroke Smart Virginia: Spot a Stroke, Stop a Stroke, Save a Life.
Graphic by VDH
In 2021, the Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force (VSSTF) adopted Stroke Smart Virginia as a statewide initiative to aimed at reducing pre-hospital delays associated with stroke by educating the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and early 911 activation. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports that “strokes are the 5th Leading Cause of Death in Virginia (2022) and the stroke death rates per 100,000 population have increased from 37.4 in 2017 to 41.2 in 2022.”
In August 2022, Prince William County was proclaimed as a Stroke Smart County. In a press release, the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) proclaimed support for “Stroke Smart Virginia’s Spot-a-Stroke, Stop-a-Stroke, Save-a-Life as part of training for families, employees and community members within the County.”
What is a stroke?
The VDH says, “To understand stroke, it helps to understand the brain.” The brain stores memories and is the source of thoughts, emotions, and language, but more importantly, it is the body’s control center. The brain controls movements and functions of the body, such as breathing and digestion. The brain needs oxygen to function properly. Brain cells are damaged anytime something blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain.
Oxygen is carried by blood; therefore, when the flow of blood, rich with oxygen, is blocked by a clot or embolism from getting to any part of the brain, the result is an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke. The VDH explains that “depending on the stroke location, time from onset of symptoms, and hospital specialization will determine if treatment with a clot-busting drug or physical removal of the clot is an option.”
In comparison, the VDH says that a “hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding brain tissue.” For treating this type of stroke, the bleeding needs to be stopped either by a catheter-guided coil or by surgical means.
Prevention
The VDH explains that “you can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.” In fact, 80% of strokes are preventable.
Here are some healthy behaviors recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Know your blood pressure! If it’s high, control your blood pressure through diet, exercise and medication.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fat-free or low fat dairy products. Limit foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and sugar.
- Maintain a healthy weight. To determine if your weight is in a healthy range, you can calculate your body mass index (BMI).
- Stay active. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise (brisk walking, water aerobics, bicycling) for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Quit smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. If you need help quitting, call the QUIT NOW Virginia toll free line (1-800-784-8669).
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and the risk of stroke.
Graphic by VDH
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Stroke damage may be reduced if a person receives medica care soon after the symptoms begin.
The first steps to minimizing damage from a stroke is recognizing the symptoms, calling 9-1-1 right away and getting to a hospital quickly.
There are common signs and symptoms of a stroke that come on suddenly. If you suspect a person is having a stroke, there are a few tests that quickly assess the person.
Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Weakness or drooping on one side of the face is a sign of a stroke.
Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise their arms. One arm drifting downwards is a sign of a stroke.
Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase such as “The sky is blue.” Listen for slurring.
Other important signs include:
Is the person having trouble with walking, a loss a balance or difficulty with coordination?
Is the person having difficulty seeing?
Does the person have a headache?
Surviving a Stroke
According to the VDH, “more than 7 million stroke survivors live in the United States.” Every patient is unique and so is their experience with life after a stroke. Their care plan that includes rehabilitation, recovery and support that is geared to their needs. Recovery from a stroke is life-long process that involves treatment for physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects. It’s important that it be a family affair that includes the survivor, loved ones, and caregivers.
The VDH has created a resources page complete with great information to help stroke survivors.