When stroke happens, minutes matter. Similar to how a heart attack blocks blood flow to the heart, a stroke happens when a clot or broken blood vessel stops or limits blood flow to the brain – a brain attack.

The American Heart Association reports that for every minute during an untreated stroke, 1.9 million brain cells are lost.

To remember signs of a stroke, think BE FAST:

B: Sudden Balance lost

E: Sudden Eyesight loss

F: Face drooping

A: Arm weakness

S: Speech difficulty

T: Time to call 911

Continuity in stroke care between small hospitals and bigger referral centers is especially impactful in rural areas, because getting someone to the proper level of care as quickly as possible is crucial for the best possible stroke outcomes.

And for a serious condition like stroke, our local hospital benefits from the strength of a larger health system, and expertise that’s readily available via telemedicine. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Regardless of where someone lives, whenever there are signs of a possible stroke (see BE FAST above), we want them to call 911 and get to the nearest emergency room as quickly as possible. We don’t advise that anyone wait to see if symptoms get worse, or to go by car to the city.

In the local emergency room, you would receive initial diagnostic imaging in the CT scanner plus effective medications for fast intervention.

If a higher level of care is needed, a confirmed stroke patient may be transported by ground ambulance or Careflight to receive additional treatment, whether that’s a medication regimen or interventional neuroendovascular procedures, as well as ICU care and rehab.

Stroke is among leading causes of death and disability in our state and nation. That’s why hospitals like ours are committed to improving patient care according to the latest treatment guidelines.

Prevention is the best medicine, and up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

Risk factors include age, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and heart and/or vascular disease. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, high stress, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods also add to stroke risk.

Follow these health habits to lower your risk:

• Get your blood pressure checked, and make sure your blood pressure is under control, through diet, exercise and medications. Using a home blood pressure monitor can help you track your numbers carefully.

• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables.

• Be active – 30 minutes of activity five days a week is what’s recommended, and it can be as simple as a daily walk.

• If you have diabetes, maintain good control and take medications as recommended.

• Manage any other chronic conditions carefully with your care team, including high cholesterol.

• Stop smoking or vaping.

• Avoid alcohol consumption or drink only in moderation.

The best way to stay on top of risk factors and preventive measures is a yearly checkup with a primary care provider, so please call your local clinic today to get yours scheduled.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center