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Ochsner Offers Tips on Stroke Prevention, Treatment
In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Ochsner Health System has provided tips on stroke prevention and treatment.
In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Ochsner Health System has provided tips on stroke prevention and treatment. For stroke prevention, Gabriel Vidal, MD, Vascular Neurologist at the Ochsner Comprehensive Stroke Center, said the simplest way to do so is to take care of yourself and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising daily.
“Patients need to control the diseases that make them more likely to have a stroke, like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol,” said Vidal. “It is also extremely important to also avoid smoking, drinking in excess, and using illicit drugs.”
To recognize a stroke, the health system recommended keeping the acronym F.A.S.T. in mind to lower the risk of disability or death:
- F is for face—is your face drooping?
- A is for arms—can you lift both arms?
- S is for speech—are you slurring your words?
- T is for time—call 911 immediately because with a stroke, time is brain.
