The Wyoming Department of Health is encouraging Wyoming residents to reduce stroke incidence and death by learning how to recognize stroke symptoms and how to help prevent strokes from happening.
“Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or ruptures, which interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain,” said Dr. Brent Sherard, Wyoming Department of Health director and state health officer. As a result, sometimes people pass out, have trouble moving their arms or legs on one side of the body, or can’t talk.

Sherard noted people don’t always know how to recognize whether they or another person they are with may be having a stroke. “Early treatment is essential because for every minute brain cells are deprived of oxygen during stroke, the likelihood of brain damage increases,” he said.

Sherard suggested a set of guidelines from the National Stroke Association to help identify strokes:
FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
TIME If any of these signs are observed, it’s time to call 911.

“If you recognize any of these signs of stroke, immediate emergency medical help is needed,” says Sherard, adding that

About 1,700 Wyoming residents experiences strokes each year, leading to personal suffering and a financial burden. Stroke is the top cause of permanent disability in the state.

“Prevention is always preferable, and there are a number of common-sense steps people can take to lower their risk of having a stroke,” Sherard said. These actions include:
*Knowing blood pressure.
*Find out about the presence of atrial fibrillation.
*Stop smoking.
*Those who drink alcohol should do so in moderation.
*Determine the presence of high cholesterol.
*Diabetics should check with their doctors.
*Exercise frequently.
*Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
*Find out if circulation problems (movement of the blood through the heart and blood vessels) are a concern.

 

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