Eighty percent of strokes are preventable, yet it is expected that nearly 795,000 people in the United States will have a stroke this year. On average, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds.

"It is important to recognize the warning signs of stroke and dial 9-1-1 immediately," said Dr. Kristopher Crawford, Medical Director of the McLeod Dillon Emergency Department.   "Warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body. It’s important to also look for signs of sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding as well as trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Someone having a stroke may suddenly have trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. A sudden severe headache with no known cause is also a warning sign."

To provide its patients with the best chance of returning to a pre-stroke state of health, McLeod Dillon is a partner in the REACH Stroke Network.

When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost. "The longer it takes a stroke patient to receive care, the greater the chances of permanent disability or even death," said Dr. Crawford.

As a partner in the REACH Stroke Network, specialized stroke consultations are delivered to the McLeod Dillon physicians and nurses caring for stroke patients. This system allows the physicians at McLeod Dillon to diagnose and treat stroke patients with the latest therapies quickly and without delays.

"Stroke can be caused by a myriad of manageable risk factors, including: high blood pressure, weight control, alcohol consumption, smoking, and diabetes," said Dr. Crawford. "Living a healthy lifestyle is key in the prevention of strokes."

To receive the free National Stroke Association’s premiere publication, StrokeSmart™ magazine, the leading source of recovery, rehabilitation and inspiration for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org/MAG. 

About National Stroke Association

Established in 1984, National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke. National Stroke Association achieves its mission to lower the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling community outreach programs, calling for continued improvement in the quality of stroke patient care, and educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about stroke. Visit www.stroke.org for more information about stroke.