Ask the Doctor: Stroke Awareness What Everyone Should Know

What's good for your heart is generally good for your brain. May is National Stroke Month, and Rao Pasupuleti, MD, Neurology, at RWJUH Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares key steps like these which can reduce your risk of a stroke.

1. Keep Your Blood Pressure in a Healthy Range
   High blood pressure is the #1 risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and can increase the risk of a blockage. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and aim to keep it below 130/80. Healthy eating, exercise, and medicine (if needed) can help.
   
2. Eat a Heart-and Brain-Healthy Diet
   Choose foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Diets like the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet have been shown to protect some against stroke.
   
3. Drink Alcohol in Moderation
   Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase stroke risk.
   
4. Keep Diabetes Under Control
   High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar and A1c levels in a healthy range.
   
5. Quit Smoking for Good
   Smoking hurts your blood vessels, raises your risk of blood clots, and doubles your stroke risk. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health - it's never too late to stop.
   
6. Be Active Every Week
   Moving your body keeps your heart and brain strong. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking, biking, or swimming) each week. Even multiple short walks add up!

Knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast can make all the difference.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke could save a life-perhaps your own-and minimize a stroke's potential life-changing effects. "Unfortunately, people with stroke symptoms often put off calling for an ambulance because they think the symptoms will pass or don't signify a more significant health issue," says Dr. Pasupuleti, MD.

"When someone notices a friend or family member not acting like themselves, they should call an ambulance and also make note of the time," she says. "The sooner a doctor sees a patient, the sooner they can determine whether the underlying cause of the symptom is a stroke-and the more effective treatment is likely to be."

The memory trick known as "B.E. F.A.S.T." makes it easier for people to better connect suspicious symptoms with the possibility that a stroke is causing the issue. Warning signs include:

B for Balance: Dizziness, a fall or vertigo.

E for Eyes: Blurred vision or loss of vision.

F for Face: A slight droop, an uneven smile or a change in the way the eyes look.

A for Arm: Is one arm weak or does it feel heavy and difficult to lift?

S for Speech: Is there slurred speech or an inability to get words out?

T for Time: Time to call 911.

Don't delay help for a potential stroke victim. Call 9-1-1 rather than calling a doctor or driving the ill person to the emergency department. Emergency responders can communicate effectively with the hospital and even begin treatment on the way there, Dr. Pasupuleti explains.

Learn more at rwjbh.org/neuro.

RWJUH Hamilton Programs Coming Up This Month

The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619--unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.

RWJUH Hamilton, Stroke Support Group - Open to All/ Community Health

Held every 4th Tuesday of each month, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
At RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, NJ

Open to the public and free, this Stroke Support Group allows survivors and caregivers to come together to share personal experiences, feelings, recovery strategies, and firsthand information on managing life after stroke. The group is facilitated and presented by RWJ Rehabilitation - Hamilton team members, Ashley Sarrol, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Allyson Panikowski-Berry, Occupational Therapist. Stroke survivors and care partners at any stage of recovery are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call 609-584-5900.

RWJUH Hamilton, Better Health Program
Breakfast and Learn: Stroke, It Can Happen to You - Open to all ages 65+ and Older
Thursday, May 1, 2025; 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
At RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, NJ

This complimentary program is being offered to our Better Health Program members and will help them learn about current stroke protocols and the advancements made in this field, and gain valuable insight about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. Hamil Patel, MD, Stroke Director and Assistant Director, Emergency Department, RWJUH Hamilton, will present this comprehensive and important program about maintaining good health. If you are 65+ years old, become a member and register for this program, free of charge, by contacting us at 609-584-5900.