May is American Stroke Month – a time when the American Heart Association dedicates resources to raise awareness for stroke warning signs, health risks, and ways to improve cardiovascular health to lower risk of stroke and other major health problems.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is dedicated to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes. In addition to raising stroke awareness in the region this month, participating in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative will help us accomplish that by making it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work daily.
The acute nature of strokes is particularly deadly and requires time-sensitive treatment to save lives and reduce lasting disability. The Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative works to ensure that stroke is recognized quickly so a patient can receive treatment as soon as possible. In addition, the initiative coordinates efforts among various healthcare teams throughout the region creating a systematic and proactive system of stroke care that saves and improves lives.
Emergency Services Director, Monica Everson explains, “Mission Lifeline Stroke is vital to our patients because it brings hospitals, EMS, and care teams together to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts. By improving how we treat strokes, it helps our patients get the right care at the right time. This statewide teamwork helps save lives and improves recovery for people in every community.”
Additional Stroke Resources and Information
To assist in identifying a stroke in either yourself, or somebody near you, learn the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs. You could possibly save a life!
B.E.F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
- B: Balance Loss
- E: Eyesight Loss
- F: Face Drooping
- A: Arm Weakness
- S: Speech Difficulty
- T: Time to call 911
Women Face Higher Risk of Stroke 
Did you know that 1 in 5 women will have a stroke? Women are also more likely than men to have a stroke - about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year. Stroke accounts for over 85,000 deaths in women annually – making stroke the #3 cause of death in women.
Stroke risk increases in women who:
- Are pregnant
- Have preeclampsia
- Take birth control pills
- Use hormone replacement therapy
- Have migraines with aura and smoke
- Have atrial fibrillation
Download The Stroke Risk in Women Infographic
8 Key Measures for Improving and Maintaining Cardiovascular Health 
- Eat Better
- Be More Active
- Quit Tobacco
- Get Health Sleep
- Manage Weight
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Manage Blood Pressure
If you, or somebody you know, is concerned about their cardiovascular health or stroke risk, speak with your Primary Care provider or schedule an appointment with Prairie Lakes Cardiovascular Clinic by calling 605-882-7777.