Stroke prevention

We've all heard that time is money. But when it comes to strokes, it's not just money that's an issue.

In a story that appeared in Tuesday's Southeast Missourian, a local doctor said that brain cells start to die in minutes without blood or oxygen. If you think that you are someone near you has suffered from a stroke, symptoms to watch for can be summarized through the FAST acronym. F represents the face and whether one's face droops to one side. A is for arms. Someone who has suffered from a stroke may have one arm that drifts downward. S stands for speech and whether it is slurred or strange. T stands for time.

Of course it's better to prevent a stroke rather than have one. Diet and exercise are important in that effort. But there are also ways to measure your risk for a stroke. And what better time than during American Heart Month? Today a stroke and vascular screening will be offered at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Office, 684 West Jackson Trail in Jackson, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saint Francis Medical Center also offers heart and health screenings at its Health and Wellness Center, including free screenings on Feb. 13, 15 and 17. To register for the free screening at Saint Francis, call 331-5877.

Strokes can be devastating to individuals and families. From the medical implications to the significant financial burden, it's worth the time and effort to take preventive measures.