Dr. Christine Holmstedt, Medical Director of Clinical Stroke Services and Co-Director of the Comprehensive & Cerebrovascular Center at MUSC, spoke on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of strokes with exchange members and guests on Wednesday evening, March 16th, at the Seabrook Island Club.
Dr. Holmstedt shared the importance of spotting the signs of stroke and getting treatment as soon as possible using the acronym-FAST: Face dropping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Patients experiencing Hemorrhagic strokes, Ischemic strokes or TIA’s (Transient Ischemic Strokes) can be treated with clot-busting medications or medical procedures but receiving treatment quickly is crucial.
South Carolina is part of an eleven state region known as “The Stroke Belt”. Research shows that the risk of stroke is much higher for the general population than other areas of the United States. Dr. Holmstedt shared that the risk of stroke can be reduced by getting your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly, staying active, eating a healthy diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and staying smoke free.
Submitted by
Lori Leary
Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Member