Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital is observing American Stroke Month in May.
Community Health and Wellness Nurse Mindy Hoopingarner says they are encouraging residents to recognize symptoms and reduce risk factors.
She says BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time – and to keep a watch on those indicators for warning signs, which can be any sudden changes in a person’s balance, double or blurred vision, facial drooping and arm weakness on one side, and speech difficulties.
The American Stroke Association says 80 to 90 percent of strokes are preventable, with high blood pressure as a leading cause.
Healthy habits can lower that risk, including controlling blood pressure, eating well, exercising for 30 minutes most days, and quitting smoking.
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