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Florida Deptment of Health Prescription Drug Monitoring Program:

Fact Sheet For Heath Care Practitioners

Training Guide for Florida Practitioners and Pharmacists

Stroke Awareness

According to the National Stroke Association, more than 780,000 people suffer from stroke each year.  The good news is that up to 80% of those can be prevented.  High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke.  Make sure to have yours checked on a regular basis and follow your medical provider's recommendations for management of high blood pressure.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke, Act F.A.S.T.  and seek emergency medical attention.  Recognizing stroke symptoms can be easy if you remember the following:

F = Face          Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = Arms        Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech    Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T= Time           If you observe any of these signs, then it is time to call 9-1-1!

Studies show that patients who arrive at the hospital by ambulance receive quicker treatment than those that arrive by their own means.

DeSoto Memorial Hospital is committed to the healthcare of the community by providing advanced treatment for stroke.  Emergency treatment with a clot busting drug called tPA can help minimize or eliminate disability after stroke.  This drug must be given within 3 hours of onset of stroke symptoms, so it is important to recognize the symptoms and call 9-1-1.