Health officials urge caution during Stroke Awareness Month

Posted on May 14, 2017
Health officials are asking people to stay alert of the signs that someone may be having a stroke as we enter Stroke Awareness Month. (WJBC File Photo)

By Cynthia Grau

BLOOMINGTON/PONTIAC – If someone told you diet drinks could increase your risk of stroke – would you believe it? How about that pattern of not getting enough sleep?

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and educators are teaching people how to recognize, respond to, and recover from strokes. Angela Stiner, Stroke Coordinator for OSF Saint James in Pontiac and OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington – says nearly 90-percent of all strokes are preventable.

She said stroke warning signs reminders can also help – so you know what’s happening – if it does.

“To help remember the warning signs of stroke there’s an acronym to use called FAST. FAST is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke,” Stiner said. “If you spot sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, it’s time to call 911.”

She said realizing your own risk factors and talking about what you notice with your doctor is the best plan to decrease risk.

Cynthia Grau can be reached at [email protected].

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