(Media release from AdventHealth Redmond):
Melody Wright, AdventHealth Redmond’s stroke coordinator, was recently the guest of “Good Morning Rome” on WLAQ 1410 AM/96.9 FM with host Elizabeth Davis.
During the interview, they discussed Stroke Awareness Month. The primary purpose of the initiative is to ensure everyone understands the signs and symptoms of a stroke and how to properly respond.
“With a lot of different disease processes, you know you have pain,” said Wright. “With a stroke however, most of the time you don’t, and people, especially females, will put it off going to the emergency room. But it’s one of those things that every moment counts just like with your heart.”
Wright said to always remember the acronym: BE FAST.
- Balance: Some people experience dizziness when they are having a stroke.
- Eyes: Blurred vision, loss of vision in the peripheral fields or feeling like a curtain is covering one eye can be symptoms of a stroke.
- Face: A person’s face may droop on one side when they experience a stroke.
- Arms: Experiencing weakness in one arm when they raise their arms is another sign of a stroke.
- Speech: A person’s speech may become slurred, and they are unable to speak clearly. They may also say things that don’t make any sense.
- Time: Don’t wait. Act fast to call an ambulance and get to the hospital.
Someone experiences a stroke every 40 seconds. “It may not happen to you, but you could very well witness someone else,” Wright said. “It’s really important to call 911 and get them to AdventHealth Redmond.”
AdventHealth Redmond is a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission due to its advanced technologies. On site, there is a team of stroke-certified nurses, neurologists and emergency-certified providers, ready to diagnose and care for stroke patients.
For more information on stroke care at AdventHealth Redmond, please visit https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-redmond/our-services/neurology-care.
