By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States.
Do you know what to do if someone is having a stroke? If you don’t, you’ll have an opportunity to learn during a stroke awareness event at Petco Park.
Information about the warning signs of stroke and what to do if a person is having a stroke will be provided to those in attendance when the Padres take on the Pirates May 19.
On that date, the Padres will team up with local hospitals and the Stroke Consortium to promote stroke prevention, awareness and recovery as part of National Stroke Awareness Month. Discounted tickets for the game can be purchased here.
More than 1,000 stroke deaths occurred in San Diego County in 2018, and about 15 people are hospitalized due to stroke every day.
“Recognizing the common signs of stroke and what to do is extremely important,” said Kristi L. Koenig, M.D., medical director for Emergency Medical Services at the County Health and Human Services Agency. “It can make the difference between life and death.”
If you or someone near you is having a stroke, it is extremely important that you BE FAST and call 9-1-1 immediately. BE FAST is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke and stands for:
•BALANCE: Is the balance impaired? Is the person unsteady?
•EYES: Is the person’s vision impaired?
•FACE: Is a side of the face droopy or is it numb? Is the smile uneven?
•ARM & LEG: Is there weakness, numbness, difficulty walking?
•SPEECH: Is there slurred speech? Does the person have difficulty speaking?
•TIME: Time is critical. If you notice any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately.
How to Prevent a Stroke
There are three actions that will help prevent you from having a stroke.
You’ve probably heard the advice before but may not know it helps keep you from getting a stroke.
•Exercise regularly
•Eat healthy foods
•Don’t smoke
“If you heed this advice for three things, you are greatly diminishing your risk of having a stroke,” Koenig said.
José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact
