Stamp Out Stroke: It’s a Family Matter

Stamp Out Stroke: It’s a Family Matter Know the Signs, Know the Numbers (add your hospital logo here)

Stamp Out Stroke The Stroke Coordinators of CT and (your hospital) are launching a 2010 Stamp Out Stroke (SOS) Campaign. As a healthcare worker, your health comes first! This program will help you and your co-workers at (your hospital) understand stroke risk factors, the signs and symptoms of stroke, and the importance of calling 9-1-1. “JUST GET HERE”

First, let’s test your stroke “smarts”. 1. True or False? Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. 2. True or False? Strokes can occur at any age.

stroke “smarts” continued 3. A stroke occurs in which part of the body? a. The heart b. The brain c. The liver d. The kidney

stroke “smarts” continued 4. Which of the following is a symptom of an ischemic stroke ? a. sudden difficulty speaking b. sudden face droop c. sudden weakness in one arm d. all are possible symptoms of stroke

stroke “smarts” continued 5. Which of the following may be a symptom of a hemorrhagic stroke? a. sudden chest pain b. sudden severe headache c. sudden lower back pain d. severe sweating

stroke “smarts” continued 6. What is the first step you should take after recognizing that someone might be having a stroke? a. Offer to call the person’s doctor b. Begin CPR c. Wait to see if the symptoms go away d. Call 9-1-1

stroke “smarts” continued 7. Why is it important to get a person with stroke symptoms to the hospital as fast as possible? a. Quick treatment will help save brain b. The person may be having a seizure c. T-P-A can be used for a hemorrhagic stroke d. The person may lose consciousness

stroke “smarts” continued 8. Which action will not reduce your risk of having a stroke? a. Stop smoking b. Take vitamin supplements c. Take your blood pressure medicine d. Lower your BMI to less than 30

stroke “smarts” continued 9. What is a TIA ? a. “trouble in arteries” a problem with the formation of blood vessels b. “temporary insane actions,” referring to unusual behavior associated with strokes c. “transient ischemic attack,” a mini-stroke that resolves within minutes to hours d. None of the above

stroke “smarts” continued 10. F.A.S.T. stands for a. Falls, Assess, Stats, Train b. Fact, Act, Store, TPA c. Face, Arm, Speech, Time d. Restricting food intake after stroke

What Is Stroke ? A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst blood vessel Sometimes referred to as a brain attack or CVA

Ischemic (is-KEE-mik) Stroke Is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain Hemorrhagic (hem-or-RA-jik) Stroke Is caused by a burst or leaking blood vessel in the brain There are two types of strokes

When you think someone is having stroke symptoms … act F.A.S.T. Face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile. Arms: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms. Speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase for example, “ The sky is blue” Time: Time to call 9-1-1

Being stroke smart is as easy as A – B – C …

A … Adopt a healthy lifestyle by • Getting enough exercise • Getting plenty of rest • Following a nutritious diet • Reducing stress

B … Be aware of your risk factorsthat you can change, or modify, such as • high blood pressure • some types of Diabetes • a smoking habit • high cholesterol levels

C … Collect your family history because: Family history of stroke is a risk factor you cannot change or modify. Members of your family may have conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol levels or sickle cell disease that may lead to stroke.

D … Diabetes is a risk factor for stroke If you have diabetes, know your target blood sugar. High blood sugars can cause blood vessels in the brain to clot or leak, causing a stroke.

E … Excessive alcohol intake can lead to stroke so … drink moderately. Women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day.

F … Find out which hospital in your area is a Primary Stroke Center. Danbury Hospital is a certified Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and the CT Department of Health

G … Get movin’ by exercising. You should try to exercise thirty minutes a day most days of the week.

H … High blood pressure (hypertension) is the # 1 risk factor for stroke. Losing weight and lowering the salt in your diet will help lower your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.

I … Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. It is the most common type of stroke. Take your prescribed medicines (like aspirin) to prevent a first or second stroke.

J … Just call 9-1-1 Just Get Here if you have stroke symptoms. Don’t call your doctor Don’t drive yourself Don’t call Aunt Lucy in Arizona

K … Know your cholesterol numbers.

L … Lowering your cholesterol can be done by following these tips: • Lose weight • Increase fruits and vegetables in your diet • Take your cholesterol medicine • Limit your alcohol intake

M … Measure yourself ! Keep track of your weight and height. This is known as Body Mass Index or BMI. Waist size (or circumference) should also be measured. Normal waist size should be less than 40 inches for men and less than 35 inches for women.

N … Never delay getting to the hospital if you think you are having stroke symptoms. T-P-A is a clot busting medicine used to treat an ischemic stroke and can only be given within x hours after symptoms begin.

O … Obesity is a major health problem in adults and children. People with a BMI greater than 30 are obese. Obesity leads to many other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Diet and exercise will help prevent excessive weight gain.

P … Palpitations or an irregular heart rate may be a symptom of a heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (a-fib). A-fib may cause a blood clot from the heart to travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

Q … Quit smoking because … it is a serious health risk that leads to stroke and other life-threatening conditions. Nicotine raises blood pressure, heart rate and makes the blood clot more easily.

R … Remember: A TIA (transient ischemic attack) may be a “warning sign” before a stroke. A person who has a TIA is 10 times more likely to have a stroke in the future. Even if symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 right away, and don’t delay.

S … Stroke facts you should know • Someone in the US has a stroke almost every 45 seconds. • Although strokes occur at any age, as we get older, our risk for stroke increases. • Having a close family member who has had a stroke will increase your risk for stroke.

T … Teach your family, friends, and co-workers how to recognize stroke symptoms and what to do when someone is having a stroke. Call 9-1-1 Just get here !

U … Understand that “minutes matter”. The faster you get to the hospital, the quicker we can treat your stroke.

V … Be Vocal about stroke symptoms. Be Vocal about calling 9-1-1. Be Vocal about reducing stroke risk Share the smarts! When you get here, we’ll be ready.

W … Warning signs of stroke generally happen suddenly. Sudden speech problems or sudden weakness or sudden facial droop are all symptoms that could be a stroke. You may be the one to recognize stroke symptoms in your family member or co-worker – so you need to know how to call for help. When at work, call ____________________________

X … You can be part of giving eXcellent stroke care to patients at (your hospital) Know how to call your stroke team if someone at your hospital is having a stroke. When at work, call _____________________

Y … Yawning can be a symptom of poor sleeping habits. If you snore at night, you may have sleep apnea (a condition in which you temporarily stop breathing during sleep). Sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke.

Z … Zero is the number of strokes we are aiming for in Connecticut. A stroke can be prevented if you know your A – B – C s

Thank you!!

Stamp Out Stroke: It’s a Family Matter