Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Fall 2018

1 0 StRoseHospitals.org During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted. When that happens, brain cells start to die. “When a stroke strikes, time is of the essence,” says Anthony DiCamillo, DO, a licensed neurologist with privileges at Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican. “Quick treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications and save a life.” Know the signs of stroke. It helps to think F.A.S.T.: F Face drooping. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile—is their smile uneven? A Arm weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms out to their sides, and take note if one arm drifts downward. S Speech difficulty. Can the person speak at all? Is speech Stroke? Act F.A.S.T. slurred or otherwise difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can they repeat it correctly? T Time to call 911. If a person has any of these symptoms, call 911— even if the symptoms go away. Also let medical personnel know what time the symptoms started. 5 for life What’s better than stopping a stroke? Preventing one! Here are five key prevention steps: 1. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy ranges. 2. If you have diabetes or heart disease, work with your doctor to manage your condition. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Eat a nutritious diet. 5. Get regular exercise. Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health; National Stroke Association A stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away. St. Rose shines in stroke care Dignity Health– St. Rose Dominican’s effective efforts to speed recovery and reduce death and disability in stroke patients has been recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The Rose de Lima and Siena Campuses earned the AHA/ASA’s 2018 Get With The Guidelines © – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The San Martín Campus earned the 2018 Get With The Guidelines © – Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, and both the San Martín and Siena Campuses qualified for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll.