From Staff Reports and the Florida Department of Health/Orange County
In Summary:
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is urging residents to learn the warning signs of stroke during National Stroke Awareness Month. Officials emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms using the “F.A.S.T.” method and calling 9-1-1 immediately when signs appear. The department also encouraged healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, healthy eating, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption to help lower stroke risk.
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The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is recognizing National Stroke Awareness Month by encouraging residents to learn the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, emphasizing that quick action can save lives.
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Nationally, a stroke is a leading cause of death. Recognizing a stroke quickly can be lifesaving, as fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that can occur. Quick treatment increases the chance of survival.
Health officials are reminding residents to remember the acronym “F.A.S.T.” when identifying possible stroke symptoms:
- Face — One side of the face is drooping
- Arms — Difficulty raising both arms evenly
- Speech — Slurred speech or difficulty understanding simple sentences
- Time — Call 9-1-1 immediately if symptoms appear
The department also highlighted several common stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
To help reduce stroke risk, officials recommend maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight.
National Stroke Awareness Month is observed each May to educate the public about prevention, early detection, and the importance of emergency response when symptoms occur.
Key Points:
- Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death nationally.
- DOH-Orange is promoting the “F.A.S.T.” method to recognize stroke symptoms.
- Quick medical treatment can reduce brain damage and improve survival chances.
- Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, inactivity, and heart disease.
- Health officials recommend healthy eating, exercise, and avoiding smoking to reduce stroke risk.
For more information about stroke awareness and prevention, residents can visit Florida Health.
