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PR-05/01/2008: "Don't stall - Make the call! (9-1-1)"

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2008 San Mateo County Health Department Contact: Beverly Thames, (650) 573-3935 "Don't stall - Make the call! (9-1-1)" San Mateo County Raises Awareness about Strokes REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of adult disability in San Mateo County and the United States. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to educate the San Mateo County residents and spread awareness about stroke prevention, symptom recognition and recovery. The hospitals in the County are hosting events at each of their sites during the month of May to educate staff and the community about the signs of stroke and to call 9-1-1 immediately if experiencing those signs or observing someone else experiencing the signs of a stroke. In June of last year, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing the Health Department's Emergency Medical Services to implement a stroke center policy directing ambulances to transport acute stroke patients to one of six hospitals serving San Mateo County as primary stroke centers. However, because most people don't know the warning signs or don't realize they should seek medical help immediately, many stroke patients don't arrive at the hospital in time to receive treatment that could dramatically reduce a their chance of disability or death. "By knowing and recognizing the symptoms of stroke, calling 9-1-1 right away, and getting the victim to a stroke center hospital, each of us can play a role in improving the chances of a stroke victim," said San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill. On May 6, a stroke awareness month proclamation will be before the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. Events scheduled for the same day include an outreach campaign targeting morning CalTrain commuters and health fairs. Stroke symptoms include: Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Some conditions as well as some lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for stroke. The most important risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cigarette smoking. Persons who have already had a stroke need to control the risk factors in order to lower their risk of having another stroke. All persons can take steps to lower their risk for stroke. ###