Hospital promotes stroke awareness

FREMONT — In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month in May, ProMedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont is emphasizing the importance of stroke prevention, recognizing warning signs and seeking immediate medical care to improve outcomes and save lives. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. It: • Occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes • Is estimated that up to 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes and proper management of risk factors "Stroke warning signs appear suddenly and can seem minor, but ignoring them can be fatal," said Dr. Ehad Afreen, a vascular neurologist at ProMedica Memorial Hospital. "Development of sudden neurological symptoms should always be treated as a medical emergency; seek immediate care." Stay alert ProMedica encourages the community to learn the warning signs of stroke and act quickly by remembering to be fast: balance trouble, eyes/visual changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911. Be fast highlights the most commonly encountered stroke-like symptoms. But sudden onset of other symptoms — such as confusion, trouble walking, loss of coordination or a severe headache — could also indicate the onset of a stroke and should prompt one to call 911 immediately. Effective prevention strategies are key to reducing stroke risk and burden. ProMedica physicians work closely with patients to help manage conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, while also encouraging healthy habits like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and eating a heart-healthy diet. "Stroke prevention doesn't require dramatic changes all at once," Afreen said. "Small steps, like taking medications as prescribed and staying active, can make a meaningful difference over time." The ProMedica Stroke Network provides comprehensive stroke care across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, offering preventive strategies, rapid diagnosis, emergency treatment and rehabilitation services through its hospitals and outpatient clinics. People can learn more by visiting promedica.org/aboutus.